The air forces of China and Egypt on Sunday wrapped up their first joint air force training, featuring exercises on air superiority combat and suppressive air defense, as well as low-altitude flyovers of the Pyramids.
This joint training codenamed "Eagles of Civilization 2025" marked the first time the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force deployed a systematic force to Africa for such exercises.
Upon arrival on April 19, the PLA Air Force swiftly completed preparations including equipment setup, theoretical instruction, mission planning, and command coordination, and successfully conducted the first flight, which demonstrated the PLA Air Force's capabilities in long-range projection, prompt deployment, and integrated combat, the PLA Air Force said in a press release.
"During the joint training, the Y-20 transport aircraft and the YU-20 aerial tanker carried out systematic rapid force projection, playing an important role in supporting the agile deployment of aerial combat systems and providing valuable experience for deepening future combat-oriented training," said Long Yifei, a pilot with the PLA Air Force.
During the 18-day training, the two sides engaged in discussions and exchanges on training methodologies, air combat tactics, aerial refueling, and other operations. They also successfully carried out exercises such as air superiority combat, suppressive air defense, battlefield search and rescue, and mixed formation drills.
"Our pilots and those of the Egyptian Air Force learned from each other and honed our skills, fully showing the PLA Air Force's exceptional combat readiness and formidable operational capabilities," said Li Bokuan, another pilot with the PLA Air Force.
The training marked the first joint training organized by the Chinese and Egyptian air forces, which served not only as a practical platform to enhance tactical and technical skills but also as a valuable opportunity to deepen friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation, laying a solid foundation for strengthening the bond between the two militaries and advancing practical collaboration and exchanges, according to a press release by the PLA Air Force.
China, Egypt wrap up first joint air force training
