Chinese J-16 fighters engage Egyptian MiG-29s in joint exercises

The Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint military exercises between the air forces of China and Egypt are providing a rigorous combat test for the Russian-designed MiG-29. Egyptian Air Force MiG-29M and MiG-29M2 fighters are participating in simulated air-to-air engagements against Chinese J-16 fighters.

While the MiG-29 is a widely operated aircraft, the J-16 is considered one of the most capable opponents the platform has faced in testing. Egypt operates modernized ‘4+ generation’ variants of the MiG-29, which include upgraded avionics, phased array radar, and increased fuel capacity. Despite these modernizations, the J-16 possesses significant technological advantages, including a radar approximately three times larger and superior weapons-carrying capacity and flight performance.