Politics & Security
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CAIRO — The Egyptian military announced that a joint exercise involving the Egyptian and Chinese air forces is continuing at several air bases across Egypt ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to Cairo.
According to local media, Xi is expected to arrive in Egypt on Tuesday.
In a written statement, the Egyptian military said the “Eagles of Civilization 2026” joint air exercise was continuing with the participation of the two countries’ air forces.
The exercise began approximately one week ago and involves various types of multirole combat aircraft from both countries at several Egyptian air bases.
According to the statement, joint flights are being conducted to practise managing air operations against hostile targets and protecting strategically important sites using the latest aerial tactics.
The training also includes aerial refuelling, exchanges of operational experience and efforts to improve the pilots’ ability and capacity to work together.
The exercise aims to provide participating units with experience in planning and conducting modern air operations while strengthening the capabilities and readiness of both air forces through the exchange of expertise.
China’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Aug. 14 that the exercise would conclude in early September and that it was the second joint drill conducted by the two countries’ air forces.
The first “Eagles of Civilization” exercise was held at an Egyptian air base in April 2025 with the participation of various types of multirole combat aircraft.
According to Egyptian media and a Chinese source who spoke to Anadolu, Xi is expected to arrive in Egypt on Tuesday.
Ahead of his first visit to Egypt in a decade, banners welcoming the Chinese leader have been displayed across Cairo, while extensive security measures have been implemented throughout the city.
Xi last visited Egypt in January 2016, when he met President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and attended an event marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Sisi has made several visits to China, most recently in May 2024.
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