China’s J-16 ‘Hidden Dragon’ to face Rafales at ‘Eagles of Civilization’ joint air exercise in Egypt
China's J-16 fighter jets, also called Hidden Dragon, and the Dassault Rafale are taking part in this year’s Eagles of Civilization joint air exercise in Egypt, according to photos released by the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF).
China's advanced J-16 fighter jets will participate in a joint air exercise with France's Rafale multi-role fighters in Egypt's "Eagles of Civilization" drills. The J-16, known as the "Hidden Dragon," is set to face the Western platform in a rare test of capabilities. The joint 2026 exercise is the first time China's heavy fighter jets have traveled to Africa for a joint training with Egypt.
The multi-day drills, held at various Egyptian air bases, aim to strengthen military cooperation between Egypt and China. The J-16, a twin-seat multi-role fighter, features modern avionics, advanced radar, and electronic warfare systems. It regularly patrols along China's east coast and potential flashpoints like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
During the exercise, the J-16, which traveled 6,000 km (3,700 miles) to Egypt in a 9-hour flight that required mid-air refueling, is expected to undergo a major test of its tactical and technical skills.
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