China’s advanced J-16 fighter is set to train alongside Rafales, offering a rare opportunity to test its capabilities against a Western platform after China’s J-10 drew attention for its combat performance against the French maker’s planes in the India-Pakistan conflict last year.
The J-16 and the Dassault Rafale are taking part in this year’s Eagles of Civilization joint air exercise in Egypt, according to photos released by the Egyptian Armed Forces. The second edition of the drills began Saturday and will last several days, the EAF said in a statement.
The J-16 and J-10 are 4.5-generation fighters operated by China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force, with modern avionics, advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. The J-16, built by AVIC Shenyang, is larger and heavier than the J-10, with twin engines and two seats, and is designed for longer-range missions. China sent J-10s to Eagles of Civilization in 2025.
The May 2025 clash between the South Asian neighbors marked Pakistan’s first major use of J-10C fighters, which Islamabad credited with downing multiple Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales. While India disputes the account, the Chinese aircraft’s performance has drawn intense scrutiny since the conflict.
India’s air force said it destroyed about a dozen Pakistani aircraft during the confrontation, including at least five advanced fighters, such as the US-made F-16s or Chinese-made JF-17-class jets. The exact number of aircraft destroyed remains disputed, and analysts have questioned claims of military success made by both sides in previous conflicts.
Egypt is a US strategic partner whose military operates American F-16 fighters as well as CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters. It has maintained diplomatic relations with China for about seven decades, with ties deepening in recent years.
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