Is Egypt sending a message to Israel through Chinese and Russian fighter jets?

Egypt Independent

22-04-2025

Egyptian national security expert and journalist Mohamed Makhlouf commented on Israel's concerns regarding the joint Egyptian-Chinese air drill 'Eagles of Civilization 2025.'
Speaking to RT, Makhlouf indicated that these joint military exercises, although not directly targeting a specific party, carry clear deterrent messages as they included Chinese and Russian fighter jets.
The security expert explained that these exercises come at a critical time, as the region is witnessing extremely tense and complex conditions due to Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip and its numerous human rights violations.
Makhlouf said that these air exercises also coincided with the conclusion of the Egyptian-Russian naval exercises 'Bridge of Friendship,' which lasted for several days.
He praised the high-level performance demonstrated by the Egyptian army during these drills, which he says sends a reassuring message to the Egyptian people and confirms the readiness of its armed forces to confront any potential threat.
Egypt's strategy
In his analysis of Egypt's strategy, Makhlouf explained that Cairo follows a policy of 'deterrence or prevention,' which relies on two basic conditions: the first is possessing military capabilities superior to those of potential adversaries, and the second is demonstrating these capabilities in practice through joint military maneuvers and training.
The Egyptian expert addressed Egypt's foreign policy since 2014, noting that the nation has maintained strong strategic relations with the US while simultaneously diversifying its arms supply sources and strengthening military cooperation with other major international powers such as China, Russia, and NATO countries such as France and Germany.
Egyptian-Chinese military cooperation could witness greater developments in the future, he said, believing that 'Eagles of Civilization 2025' could pave the way for further defense cooperation.
He emphasized that Egypt's orientation toward China does not mean it is severing relations with Washington, but rather aims to achieve a strategic balance and reduce reliance on a single source of arms.
The security expert pointed out that these maneuvers reflect a broader shift in global military alliances, which could reshape regional and international balances and challenge traditional Western dominance in the global arms market.
Israeli backlash
The Israeli newspaper Maariv published an extensive report criticizing Egypt over the joint air maneuvers with China, which were launched in Egyptian airspace for the first ever time.
The newspaper claimed in its report that the Chinese fighter jets participating in the military exercises came remarkably close to the Israeli border, a move it described as 'worrying.'
It explained that these maneuvers include a large number of advanced aircraft and come amid escalating regional tensions.
Maariv said that these developments add to Israel's growing concern over Egypt's recent military buildup in Sinai Peninsula.
The report indicated that bilateral relations have been tense since the start of the war in Gaza Strip. Israel fears a possible influx of Gaza residents into Sinai and the collapse of the border with Israel.
Israeli media have warned against Egypt being supplied with highly advanced fighter jets from France, which will add 30 new Rafale fighters to its air fleet, bolstering Egypt's air force.
The Israeli news website 'Globes' reported that France is working to enhance the inspection process of advanced fighter jets intended to bolster the Egyptian military.
It added that the French company Dassault Aviation recently conducted tests on the Rafale DM18 and DM19 fighters in preparation for their delivery to the Egyptian Air Force, according to the XL Aviation website.