Chinese J-16 fighters join Egypt's Eagles of Civilization 2026 drills
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Chinese J-16 fighters participated in the Eagles of Civilization 2026 exercise with Egyptian Rafale and MiG-29 aircraft in Egypt.
Pilot Wei Yuexin said Egyptian fighters showed strong manoeuvrability in close‑range training, while Song Zhongping noted the J‑16 could perform effectively in beyond‑visual‑range engagements when supported by a KJ‑500 airborne early warning aircraft. A simulated beyond‑visual‑range fight on the third day matched four J‑16s against two Rafales and four MiG‑29s, with Chinese pilots coordinating formation and timing missile‑evasion manoeuvres against the larger Egyptian force. Egyptian pilots expressed interest in China’s electronic jamming techniques, especially their timing during combat, and the KJ‑500 supported the J‑16 formation throughout the simulated engagements.