The Egyptian and Chinese air forces conducted the joint exercise Eagles of Civilization 2026 at multiple bases in Egypt. The exercise included training in attacks on enemy targets, defensive operations, aerial refueling and lectures on conducting joint missions, with a diverse range of military aircraft participating.
According to Egyptian state media reports, Eagles of Civilization 2026 was conducted over several days from 22 August to coincide with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt on 1 September, with aircraft from the two countries conducting joint exercises at multiple bases in Egypt. The exercise included training in attacks on enemy targets, defense of critical targets, aerial refueling and lectures on conducting joint missions.
Egypt also conducted Eagles of Civilization 2025 with China in May 2025. A diverse range of military aircraft participated in this exercise, which also sought to improve the two countries' joint operational capabilities. Recent joint exercises with countries other than Egypt and China include Al-Saqeb Al-Thaqib 2024 with Saudi Arabia in November 2024, Ptolemy 2025 with Cyprus in June 2025, a joint exercise with Turkey in September 2025 and Medusa 14 in November 2025.