The first Egypt International Air Show, which concluded on Thursday at El Alamein International Airport, marked a significant moment in the global aviation and defense industry.

The event, which drew attention from around the world, showcased a notable presence of Chinese military aircraft, including the Y-20 transport aircraft and the J-10 fighter jets.

This marked their debut in Africa, raising questions about China’s expanding influence and the potential implications for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A New Era of Chinese Military Display

China’s participation in the Egypt International Air Show was highlighted by the impressive aerial demonstration of its advanced Y-20 transport aircraft and the J-10 fighter jets.

The Y-20, a long-range strategic transport aircraft, and the J-10, a multirole combat fighter, were central to the showcase.

The high-profile appearance not only underscored China’s growing technological capabilities but also demonstrated its ambition to cement its role in the global defense market.

The Y-20’s performance included a dramatic flyover of Egypt’s Giza pyramids, demonstrating its long-range capabilities and drawing international attention.

The aircraft, which can carry up to 66 tons of cargo, has been compared to the U.S. C-17 Globemaster and C-5M Super Galaxy in terms of its strategic transport capabilities.

The J-10 fighter jets also made a significant impact with their debut in Africa, showcasing China’s advancements in combat aircraft technology.

Strategic Ambitions and Regional Influence

China’s increased visibility in the MENA region is part of a broader strategy to enhance its military and economic influence.

The Middle East, a region of strategic importance due to its energy resources and trade routes, has become a focal point for China’s international ambitions.

Analysts view China’s presence at the air show as a step towards expanding its influence and diversifying its market beyond traditional Western ties.

Kostas Tigkos, manager of mission systems and intelligence at global military intelligence firm Janes, emphasized the significance of China’s strategic push into the MENA region.

According to Tigkos, “China is expanding and targeting the [Middle East] regional market. This marks another milestone in China’s military diversification and opens doors to more collaboration in security domains, encourages investment opportunities, and opens new channels to developing trade beyond traditional ties.”

The MENA region is particularly important to China due to its high bilateral trade growth rate and its role as a major source of imported oil. The region’s strategic importance and economic potential make it a key area for China’s long-term strategic goals.

Growing Interest in Chinese Military Equipment

Countries in the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have shown increasing interest in Chinese military equipment.

This shift is evident in their acquisitions of Chinese drones, missiles, and anti-drone systems. Egypt, in particular, has expressed interest in the J-10 fighter jet as part of its efforts to diversify its military suppliers and enhance its defense capabilities.

The growing interest in Chinese military technology was further highlighted by the recent visit of Egypt’s air force commander, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Foaad Abdel Jawad, to Beijing.

The visit, which was facilitated by China, aimed to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations and explore new prospects for collaboration.

During the visit, both sides discussed potential areas of cooperation and expressed mutual interest in enhancing their military relationship.

The Egyptian military’s interest in Chinese aircraft reflects a broader trend in the region towards diversifying defense procurement sources and exploring new strategic partnerships.

The Strategic and Economic Implications

China’s foray into the MENA defense market carries significant strategic and economic implications. The Y-20 and J-10 aircraft represent a significant leap in China’s defense technology and its ability to project power beyond its borders.

The performance of these aircraft at the air show highlights China’s aspirations to compete with established Western defense suppliers.

Wendell Minnick, editor of the “China in Arms” Substack newsletter, noted that the Y-20’s appearance at the air show was a strategic move to match the U.S. heavy lift and long-range transport aircraft.

Minnick commented, “This is their attempt to match the U.S. heavy lift, long-range transport or aerial-refueled aircraft. China needs these to project force beyond the mainland for expeditionary warfare.”

The Y-20, with its capacity to lift heavy cargo and perform long-range missions, is seen as a significant advancement in China’s military capabilities.

Similarly, the J-10, a versatile combat aircraft, enhances China’s ability to project air power and compete with Western fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Challenges and Market Prospects

Despite the impressive capabilities of Chinese military aircraft, there are challenges and uncertainties regarding their adoption in the MENA region.

Experts question whether there will be substantial demand for Chinese military equipment, given the existing preferences for Western technology and the logistical challenges associated with operating Chinese aircraft.

Minnick raised concerns about the potential limitations of Chinese military equipment, noting that the Y-20, while cheaper than its Western counterparts, may be less impressive and more vulnerable to missile attacks.

He also highlighted the logistical and technical challenges associated with maintaining and operating Chinese aircraft, which could impact their appeal to potential buyers in the region.

Despite these challenges, experts like Tigkos believe that the Y-20 and J-10 present opportunities for long-term business relationships.

“When a country is successful in the aviation realm, it marks a significant difference and ‘upgrade,’ if you will, toward helping foster relationships of trust and wider markets for China,” Tigkos said.

Global Reactions and Future Prospects

The global reaction to China’s presence at the Egypt International Air Show has been mixed.

While the impressive display of Chinese military technology has garnered attention, there are ongoing debates about the potential impact on the regional defense market and the broader implications for international defense relations.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported in March that China had overtaken Russia as the main supplier of major arms to sub-Saharan Africa.

This underscores China’s growing role in the global arms market and its strategic ambitions in expanding its influence in various regions.

In the MENA region, however, experts suggest that while Chinese military equipment is gaining traction, it may not displace Western suppliers in the near future.

The existing relationships with Western defense contractors and the preference for established technology could influence the adoption of Chinese military aircraft.

Conclusion

The debut of Chinese military aircraft at the Egypt International Air Show marks a significant milestone in China’s defense diplomacy and its efforts to expand its influence in the MENA region.

The impressive performance of the Y-20 and J-10 aircraft underscores China’s technological advancements and strategic ambitions.

As China continues to pursue opportunities in the global defense market, the long-term impact on regional defense relationships and the broader international landscape remains to be seen.

The challenges and uncertainties surrounding the adoption of Chinese military equipment highlight the complexities of the evolving defense market and the need for continued analysis of China’s growing role on the global stage.