A Chinese delegation was in Cairo earlier in May 2025 to promote their fifth-generation J-35 fighter jet to the Egyptian Air Force.
Cairo, May 26 - Egypt's Air Force commander, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fuad Abdel Gawad, has his eyes on China's cutting-edge J-35 stealth fighter. This move could totally shake up how Egypt buys its military gear and even hint at some big changes in the region's power plays. This interest was notably highlighted during the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air exercise, a first-of-its-kind bilateral maneuver between the Egyptian Air Force and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, conducted at Wadi Abu Rish Air Base southeast of Cairo from mid-April to early May 2025. The exercise, which involved advanced aircraft such as China’s J-10C multirole fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, Y-20 transport planes, and YU-20 aerial tankers, alongside Egypt’s Russian-built MiG-29M/M2 jets, underscored a growing military cooperation between Cairo and Beijing.
.gif)
During these drills, Lieutenant General Abdel Gawad reportedly engaged in discussions with Chinese officials about the J-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter still in the early stages of serial production, indicating Egypt’s curiosity about integrating this cutting-edge technology into its air force. Egypt’s air force currently operates a diverse fleet, including approximately 220 U.S.-made F-16s, 24 French Dassault Rafale fighters, and 46 Russian MiG-29M/M2 jets, reflecting a long-standing strategy of sourcing military equipment from multiple global powers. The F-16s, acquired through decades of U.S. military aid following the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, form the backbone of Egypt’s air combat capabilities but face challenges due to aging technology and U.S. restrictions on upgrades and advanced weaponry.
The Rafale jets, purchased in 2015, are valued for their versatility and advanced electronics, while the MiG-29s provide robust air-to-air combat capabilities. Additionally, Egypt has experience with Chinese defense systems, operating K-8 Karakorum trainer jets and recently acquiring the HQ-9B surface-to-air missile system. This familiarity with Chinese technology may facilitate Egypt’s consideration of the J-35, which could enhance its air force’s stealth and combat capabilities, potentially rivaling Israel’s U.S.-made F-35 fighters in the region. The J-35, designed to compete with fifth-generation fighters like the F-35, boasts advanced stealth features, multi-domain coordination, and compatibility with sophisticated Chinese munitions, such as the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile. While no formal agreement for Egypt to purchase the J-35 has been confirmed by either Cairo or Beijing, the Egyptian Air Chief’s expressed desire to visit China to inspect the aircraft suggests serious consideration.
Such a move would mark a significant departure from Egypt’s traditional reliance on Western and Russian suppliers, potentially straining its long-standing alliance with the United States, which has historically provided substantial military aid. The growing military ties with China, evidenced by the joint exercise and Egypt’s prior acquisition of Chinese systems, reflect Cairo’s intent to diversify its defense partnerships amid frustrations with U.S. restrictions on modernizing its F-16 fleet. If Egypt proceeds with acquiring the J-35, it could not only modernize its air force but also signal a broader realignment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with China emerging as a key player in the region’s defense landscape. This development underscores Egypt’s strategic maneuvering to assert greater autonomy in its defense policies while navigating complex regional and global dynamics.