China has termed it a significant step to promote practical cooperation and deepen mutual friendship.
New Delhi: Cairo: Surrounded on all sides by French-origin Rafales, Russian-made MiG-29s, and American F-16s, China is now courting a Muslim nation to deal with its enemies. The Chinese Air Force has launched its first large-scale joint air exercise with Egypt, officially Arab Republic of Egypt. This joint exercise has been named Civilization Eagle 2025. This exercise, which started in mid-April, will continue until the early days of May. The air forces of China and Egypt will fly in coordination and conduct strategic combat training. China’s Ministry of Defense has termed it a significant step to promote practical cooperation and deepen mutual friendship.
Analysts say that by conducting air exercises with Egypt, China is hunting multiple targets with one arrow. Egypt employs three of world’s most dangerous fighter jets. All three of these fighter jets are a big trouble for China. While India has Rafale and MiG-29, Taiwan and the Philippines are acquiring American F-16s. Additionally, in light of the Gaza war, this entire region is going through a period of instability. In such a scenario, China has tried to increase its influence and send a message to the United States.
Tensions are running high between Egypt and Israel over the Gaza war. This exercise is signaling the formation of new alliances in West Asia. The United States has until now considered Egypt to be its close ally, but Cairo is now showing signs of leaning towards Beijing. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the purpose of this exercise is to share modern warfare techniques with each other. Egypt and China have not yet disclosed which fighter jets they are using in this exercise.
China has dispatched the Xi’an Y-20 transport aircraft to deliver military supplies for this exercise, which is considered a counter to the American C-17 Globemaster. It can carry large quantities of military equipment. With its help, the Chinese military demonstrates its strength even far from its borders.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Air Force has purchased fighter jets from the United States, France, and Russia. The F-16 jets are still the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force, equipped with advanced radars and missiles.
Egypt has acquired Rafale fighter jets from France, which are armed with long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Egypt is also purchasing new Rafales from France. Additionally, Egypt has obtained MiG-29M fighter jets from Russia. India also possesses this fighter jet. During this exercise, China could gain significant technical insights regarding both the Rafale and MiG, which could increase India’s tension.
