J-16 Faces Rafale in Egypt as China-Egypt Drill Expands Air Power Ties
During Egypt's Aug. 23 'Eagles of Civilization 2026' drill, China's J-16 and France's Rafale conducted one-on-one air combat drills, showcasing a high-profile Africa-based test of the 4.5-generation fighters as Egypt expands its Rafale fleet (55 aircraft). The exercise sits within growing China‑Egypt military ties and comes as India pursues a roughly $20 billion plan to buy 114 more Rafales under Make in India; officials say the drills aim to standardize procedures and improve interoperability, with Egypt also weighing adding the J-10C to its mix of French, American and Russian aircraft.