China has reportedly offered Egypt two advanced fighter jets – the J-10C and J-31 – to modernize its air force. This offer, made during a high-profile visit by Egyptian Air Force Commander General Mahmoud Foaad Abdel Gawaad to Beijing, represents a major step in China’s efforts to strengthen military ties with Egypt, a historically strong U.S. ally.
Egypt has long maintained one of the most powerful air forces in the Middle East, currently relying heavily on advanced Western military technology, such as the Dassault Rafale jets from France. However, the potential acquisition of China’s J-10C and J-31 fighter jets could mark a significant pivot towards diversifying Egypt’s military hardware and enhancing its defense capabilities.
The J-10C, a 4.5-generation fighter jet, and the J-31, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, are considered among China’s most advanced aircraft. If Egypt proceeds with the acquisition, it could be the first country outside of Pakistan to operate these Chinese-made aircraft, signaling a shift in the dynamics of military cooperation and procurement in the region.
The offer was made during General Gawaad’s visit to China, where he met with his counterpart, General Chang Dingqiu, in Beijing. The visit, according to the Egyptian Armed Forces, underscores Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military ties with “friendly countries,” in this case, China. It also reflects China’s increasing outreach to Middle Eastern nations as part of its broader geopolitical strategy.
- Training programs: China has long sought to expand its military training initiatives in foreign nations, and Egypt could benefit from sharing knowledge in aviation tactics, combat drills, and military strategy.
- Technology transfer: China has often used military deals as a platform for technology transfer, potentially allowing Egypt to gain valuable expertise in the operation and maintenance of these advanced jets.
- Joint equipment production: A more significant aspect of this cooperation could involve joint ventures in defense manufacturing, aligning with Egypt’s aspirations to strengthen its domestic defense industry.
Beyond discussions with General Chang, General Gawaad also met key figures in China’s defense industry, including representatives from the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). He also visited the Tangshan Air Base, where senior Egyptian officers observed a flight demonstration of the J-10C fighter jet, an aircraft that Egypt has reportedly been eyeing for several years.
The J-10C, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a single-engine, multi-role fighter jet that has been in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) since 2018. It is a 4.5-generation aircraft equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which gives it superior target detection and tracking capabilities compared to older models. Additionally, the J-10C features a lighter airframe, improved stealth characteristics, and a more powerful engine, providing enhanced agility and operational effectiveness.
China has been offering the J-10C to Egypt for several years, with reports of discussions taking place as far back as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in 2023. At that exhibition, Egyptian officials reportedly engaged with representatives from Chengdu Aircraft to explore the potential purchase of the aircraft.
Currently, Pakistan is the only export customer for the J-10C, a move that has already raised eyebrows in the international defense community. The potential acquisition by Egypt could further elevate the J-10C’s status as a serious competitor to other multi-role fighters in the region.
Perhaps even more significant is China’s offer of the J-31 stealth fighter, a fifth-generation aircraft developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Often compared to the U.S.-built F-35, the J-31, also known as the “Gyrfalcon,” is designed to compete in the export market for advanced fighter jets. It boasts stealth capabilities, twin engines, and state-of-the-art avionics, offering a cost-effective alternative to other fifth-generation fighters.
The J-31 is still in the development phase for carrier operations, and China has ambitious plans for its future, aiming to deploy it on its growing fleet of aircraft carriers. Media reports suggest that the J-31’s development has been shaped by lessons learned from the J-20 “Mighty Dragon,” China’s first fifth-generation fighter, which is reserved exclusively for the PLAAF.
Although the full specifications of the J-31 remain classified, it is known that its maximum take-off weight (MTOW) has been increased to 28,000 kg, and it is powered by WS-19 engines, each generating 12 tons of thrust. This gives the J-31 impressive speed, maneuverability, and the ability to carry a large payload, making it an attractive option for countries like Egypt that are looking to upgrade their air force.
Egypt’s interest in the J-31 aligns with its broader efforts to modernize its military and assert its role as a regional power. In recent years, Egypt has sought to diversify its military procurement sources, acquiring advanced systems from France, Russia, and now potentially China. This diversification strategy is seen as a way to reduce dependence on any single supplier, especially the U.S., which has traditionally been Egypt’s primary arms supplier.
The introduction of fifth-generation stealth fighters like the J-31 would mark a significant leap in Egypt’s air capabilities. Currently, Egypt’s most advanced aircraft are the Dassault Rafales, which are highly capable fourth-generation fighters. The addition of the J-31 could give Egypt a technological edge over many of its regional rivals, particularly in terms of stealth and advanced radar systems.
Moreover, the J-31’s potential deployment on Egyptian aircraft carriers, though still speculative, could enhance Egypt’s ability to project power beyond its borders. As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt’s access to such advanced military technology could have a profound impact on the region’s security architecture.
The offer of the J-10C and J-31 to Egypt is part of a broader pattern of China’s increasing military engagement in the Middle East. While traditionally less involved in the region than the U.S. or Russia, China has been steadily building economic, diplomatic, and military ties with Middle Eastern nations.
Egypt, given its strategic location and political influence, is a key target for China’s outreach. Strengthening military ties with Cairo not only provides China with a potential arms buyer but also positions it as a more influential player in Middle Eastern security matters.
In recent years, China has ramped up arms sales to several countries in the region, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Beijing’s approach to arms sales often includes competitive pricing, technology transfers, and fewer political conditions than those imposed by Western suppliers, making Chinese weapons an attractive option for many governments.
Egypt’s potential shift towards Chinese military technology is likely to raise concerns in Washington. As one of the U.S.’s closest allies in the Arab world, Egypt has long been a key recipient of American military aid, receiving billions of dollars in arms and equipment. The introduction of Chinese-made jets into Egypt’s air force could complicate U.S.-Egypt relations, particularly if it leads to concerns over interoperability and intelligence-sharing.
Moreover, the presence of advanced Chinese technology in Egypt’s military could open the door to greater Chinese influence in the region, challenging the U.S.’s long-standing dominance. Washington is likely to watch these developments closely, as they could signal a broader realignment of alliances in the Middle East.
The offer of J-10C and J-31 fighter jets to Egypt marks a potentially transformative moment in the Middle East’s military landscape. As Egypt seeks to modernize its air force and assert its influence in a conflict-ridden region, the introduction of Chinese-made fighter jets could provide a critical boost to its capabilities. At the same time, China’s growing role in the Middle East, both as an arms supplier and strategic partner, is reshaping the region’s balance of power.
For Egypt, the decision to acquire these jets will be a key indicator of its future military strategy and foreign policy orientation. For China, it represents another step in its quest to expand its influence in the Middle East, offering a competitive alternative to traditional Western arms suppliers. The coming months will reveal whether this potential deal materializes and how it will impact the region’s military dynamics.
