China’s advanced J-16 fighter and France’s Dassault Rafale are participating in the Eagles of Civilization joint air exercise in Egypt, according to the Egyptian Armed Forces. The exercise, which began on August 22, brings the two aircraft together for training months after China’s J-10CE fighter attracted attention during the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025.
The Egyptian Armed Forces said the exercise will continue for several days at multiple air bases. Images released by the military show aircraft taking part in the drills, including the J-16 and Rafale. The exercise is focused on joint training and operational coordination rather than a direct comparison between the two fighter jets.
According to the Egyptian military, the opening phase includes theoretical and practical sessions designed to align combat concepts and procedures. These will be followed by joint sorties and training on the planning and execution of air-combat operations.
Background: From J-10 Scrutiny to J-16
The J-16 is operated by China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force and is generally classified as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter. Developed by AVIC Shenyang, the twin-engine, two-seat aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, radar and electronic warfare capabilities.
Compared with the single-engine J-10, the J-16 is larger and heavier and is designed for longer-range missions. China has also deployed J-10 fighters for international exercises, including the Eagles of Civilization drills in 2025.
The May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict marked Pakistan’s first major use of J-10C fighters, which Islamabad credited with downing multiple Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales. India disputes that account. The exact number of aircraft destroyed in the confrontation remains disputed, and analysts have questioned claims of military success made by both sides in previous conflicts.
The conflict followed Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Egypt’s Military Cooperation
The Egyptian Armed Forces have described the drills as part of their broader programme of military cooperation and joint training with friendly and partner nations. The exercise is intended to improve the participating air forces’ ability to coordinate, plan and conduct combined air operations while allowing them to exchange operational experience.
“This exercise is part of the joint training plan of the Egyptian Armed Forces with their counterparts from brotherly and friendly nations, supporting and strengthening cooperation in various military fields,” the Egyptian military said.
Egypt is a major US strategic partner and operates American-made F-16 fighters, along with CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters. Cairo has maintained diplomatic relations with Beijing for about seven decades, with ties deepening in recent years.