Live footage is here! The first flight day of the China-Egypt Air Force joint training starts with air combat.

On August 23, Beijing time, the "Civilization Eagle-2026" joint air force training between China and Egypt welcomed its first flight training day.

Reporter Yan Chao

This is a base of the Egyptian Air Force, and behind me, the Chinese Air Force's J-16 fighter jet is taxiing. In today's training, the J-16 will engage in air combat against Egyptian Air Force aircraft.

On the first flight day of the China-Egypt air force joint training, the training subject is asymmetric aircraft 1-on-1 air combat. As the aircraft of both air forces take off in succession, the pilots engage in intense competition in a scenario close to actual combat.

Air Force Unit Ning Yiming

The rigorous training style, close cooperation, and solid tactical and technical skills of the Egyptian pilots left a deep impression on us. Everyone learned from each other during the joint training, communicated closely, which not only enhanced mutual feelings but also jointly improved tactical and technical levels. The joint training between China and Egypt has built a beneficial platform for our pilots to forge their capabilities.

Before the flight training, Chinese and Egyptian pilots gave lectures respectively, introducing the performance of the equipment used by both sides; subsequently, both sides conducted in-depth research and discussion on the joint training subjects, clarifying flight safety rules, airspace control regulations, takeoff and landing methods, and emergency handling plans.

Air Force Unit Shen Hao

The China-Egypt air force joint training is gradually advancing from basic air combat engagements of 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 to systematic joint operations. As the mutual understanding among the pilots increases, it allows for more effective communication regarding tactical methods and applications, which is beneficial for enhancing the tactical and operational capabilities of both sides' pilots.

The day before (August 22), the opening ceremony of the "Civilization Eagle-2026" joint air force training was held by both sides. At the ceremony, the commanders of China and Egypt delivered speeches, jointly reviewing the history of exchanges between the two air forces and the fruitful results of the first joint training in 2025, clarifying the task positioning of this joint training, and hoping that the participating officers and soldiers cherish the opportunity to train together, learn from each other, complement each other's strengths, and further solidify the foundation of mutual trust and continue the traditional friendship.

Authors | Yan Chao, Ma Baichuan, Jia Chong, Deng Dongzhi, Ye Lifu