China showcases military muscle in Egypt with debut of KJ-500 radar aircraft

In a bold display of its expanding global military reach, China has taken part in joint military exercises in Egypt under the name Eagles Civilisation 2025—and made history in the process.

For the first time ever, the Chinese Air Force deployed its advanced KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft outside its borders, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

The aircraft’s appearance marked a milestone in China's efforts to modernise and project power abroad.

Equipped with a cutting-edge radar system offering 360-degree electronic surveillance, the KJ-500 is capable of detecting and tracking numerous targets across vast distances. Its robust communications suite allows it to seamlessly coordinate with other aircraft during combat operations. But the aircraft's role doesn’t stop there—it also serves as a powerful asset in electronic warfare and functions as a flying command centre, underscoring its strategic importance.

Before arriving in Egypt, the KJ-500 made a stop at an airbase in the United Arab Emirates—another signal of Beijing’s growing military footprint beyond East Asia.

China also deployed an impressive mix of hardware to the drills, including J-10C and J-10S fighter jets, the YU-20 aerial refuelling aircraft, and military helicopters, further emphasising the scale of its participation.

Commenting on the deployment, Sun Degang, director of the Centre for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said the flight of the KJ-500 over the Red Sea was “a significant step in China’s military modernisation,” showing its ability to support long-range missions and strategic operations far from home.

“China now possesses not only near-seas defence capabilities but also the capacity to conduct long-range escort missions and consular protection operations,” Sun noted, pointing to the strategic importance of the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova