A joint air training exercise, "Eagles of Civilisation 2025," between China and Egypt concluded, marking the first such collaboration between the two nations. The exercise involved the participation of a Chinese J-10S fighter jet and an Egyptian military officer.
Footage released by China's state broadcaster CCTV, showing an Egyptian officer in the J-10S, fueled speculation of a possible arms sale from China to Egypt. This includes the advanced J-10C fighter jet, comparable to upgraded US F-16s.
Analysts view the joint exercise and the apparent display of trust as potential indicators of a forthcoming agreement. A sale of J-10C jets to Egypt would significantly impact the geopolitical landscape of the region, expanding China's arms exports and potentially altering the balance of power.
Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao highlighted the rarity of allowing a foreign pilot into the J-10S cockpit, suggesting a high level of mutual trust and friendship between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries.