In a clear demonstration of its expanding military reach, China is set to make a bold statement at the upcoming Egypt International Airshow. From September 3 to 5, the country’s powerful Y-20 transport planes and J-10 jet fighters will take to the skies, marking a significant milestone in China’s military diplomacy. This will be the first time the Y-20 performs in an international air show, and the first time the PLA Air Force’s Bayi Aerobatics Team’s J-10 squad has graced the skies of Africa.
The Y-20, nicknamed the “chubby girl,” is a formidable transport aircraft designed for long-haul air cargo and personnel transfers. Its ability to transport troops and equipment over vast distances was showcased last month when it ferried Chinese forces to Tanzania during a joint counterterrorism exercise. This long-range capability is a testament to the Chinese air force’s strategic ambitions and its growing ability to project power globally.
Joining the Y-20 in the Egyptian skies will be the J-10, China’s first domestically-built advanced jet fighter. Often referred to as the “Firebird,” this single-engine, multi-role fighter is capable of operating in diverse conditions, enhancing China’s air combat capabilities.
This airshow performance signifies more than just a display of military hardware. It underscores China’s increasing influence in the Middle East and Africa, a region where China has been actively cultivating relationships and securing lucrative contracts for arms sales. This strategy has drawn attention as it challenges the traditional dominance of Western arms suppliers, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Y-20’s participation in the Egyptian airshow is not an isolated event. Earlier this year, air force officials highlighted the Y-20’s significance, describing it as a crucial element in achieving the air force’s goal of “all-domain operations and global reach.” These statements point to a strategic vision of building a capable and mobile air force capable of deploying anywhere in the world.
As China expands its military footprint, the region is witnessing a shift in arms procurement patterns. Countries like Algeria have already begun diversifying their weapons sources, purchasing Chinese drones, corvettes, and weaponry, including sophisticated WJ-700 Falcon UAVs. This trend is likely to continue as China emerges as a major arms exporter, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it has surpassed Russia as the leading arms supplier.
The upcoming air show in Egypt represents a significant turning point in China’s military outreach, demonstrating its growing technological capabilities, its desire for strategic partnerships, and its ambition to become a dominant force on the global stage. With its powerful military hardware and growing influence, China is undoubtedly making its presence felt in the Middle East and Africa, signaling a changing landscape of power dynamics in the region.
