What Chinese pilots revealed about Rafale, MiG-29 after Egypt air drills

The J-16 fighters, supported by KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, displayed their strengths in simulated combat

Chinese pilots have recounted their encounters with French-made Rafale and Russian-origin MiG-29 fighters during air combat drills with Egypt, offering a rare insight into how Beijing assesses aircraft also operated by the Indian Air Force.The Eagles of Civilization 2026 exercise brought Chinese J-16 fighters and Egyptian Rafale and MiG-29 aircraft together for joint air combat training in Egypt.According to The Defense Watch, citing Chinese state media reports, People’s Liberation Army Air Force pilot Wei Yuexin said Egyptian fighters demonstrated strong manoeuvrability during close-range combat training.The report also cited Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping, who said the J-16 could perform effectively in beyond-visual-range engagements, particularly when supported by the KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft.Chinese state media reports highlighted close-range manoeuvring and electronic warfare during the exercise, bringing the performance of the J-16 and the potential tactical lessons for China into focus for India.A simulated beyond-visual-range engagement on the third day of training pitted four Chinese J-16 fighters against two Egyptian Rafales and four MiG-29s. The Chinese pilots reportedly focused on coordinating their formation and timing missile-evasion manoeuvres while facing the larger Egyptian force.

The report also said Egyptian pilots showed interest in China’s electronic jamming techniques, particularly their timing during combat.The exercise also tested China’s ability to coordinate fighter operations with airborne surveillance. the KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft supported the J-16 formation during the simulated engagements.The aircraft can help detect and track airborne threats and provide information to fighter pilots, potentially improving coordination during beyond-visual-range combat.