Six Chinese Y-20 military transport aircraft landed in Egypt without official announcement, raising questions about the nature of the operation.
On April 15, 2025, at least six Chinese Xi’an Y-20 strategic transport aircraft landed in Egypt, probably at the Wadi Abu Rish airbase. This unannounced operation is part of joint Chinese-Egyptian air exercises, dubbed “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” scheduled to run until early May. The maneuver reflects the deepening military relations between China and Egypt in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The Xi’an Y-20: a strategic transport aircraft with impressive capabilities
The Xi’an Y-20 is a military transport aircraft developed by China to strengthen its strategic projection capability. With a payload capacity of 66 tons and a maximum takeoff weight of 220 tons, it can transport heavy equipment, such as battle tanks, over long distances. With a range of 7,800 km with a payload of 40 tons, the Y-20 is comparable to the American C-17 Globemaster III. It is equipped with four Soloviev D-30KP-2 turbofan engines, pending the integration of Chinese WS-20 engines. The Y-20 was designed to operate on short runways, with a minimum takeoff distance of 600 to 700 meters. It is also capable of in-flight refueling and medical transport missions.
Wadi Abu Rish Air Base: a strategic site in Egypt
Wadi Abu Rish Air Base, located in the Beni Suef Governorate, is an important Egyptian military facility. It has two asphalt runways, each 3,985 meters long, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Y-20. The base is home to the Egyptian Air Force’s 42nd Squadron, equipped with MiG-29M/M2 fighter jets, and an aviation training center. Its geographical location, approximately 70 km south of Cairo, makes it a strategic point for military operations and joint exercises.
Joint Chinese-Egyptian air exercises: enhanced military cooperation
The Chinese Y-20 flights in Egypt are part of the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air exercises organized between China and Egypt. These maneuvers, scheduled to last until early May, aim to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of command, control, and equipment interoperability. China and Egypt have intensified their military relations in recent years, with cooperation agreements, arms sales, and joint training. For example, Egypt locally produces K-8E training aircraft in partnership with China and uses Chinese Wing Loong drones for its surveillance operations.
An operation that is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
The arrival of the Y-20s in Egypt is part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to strengthen its economic and strategic ties with other countries. Egypt, as a key gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe, plays a central role in this initiative. China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Egypt, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, with investments estimated at $100 billion. These projects aim to make Egypt a major logistics hub for international trade, particularly for trade between China and Africa.
Geopolitical implications: increased Chinese presence in the Middle East
The Y-20 operation in Egypt reflects the expansion of Chinese military influence in the Middle East. By strengthening its ties with Egypt, China is seeking to secure its economic interests in the region, particularly by protecting trade routes and investments linked to the BRI. This increased presence can also be seen as a response to the reduction of US military engagement in the region, offering China an opportunity to fill the void left by Washington. However, this expansion is causing concern among some Western countries, which see it as an attempt by China to extend its strategic influence at the expense of existing regional balances.
Outlook: towards enhanced Sino-Egyptian cooperation
The Y-20 operation in Egypt could mark the beginning of closer military cooperation between the two countries. Regular joint exercises, technology transfers, and arms sales could intensify in the coming years. Egypt could also play a key role in China’s strategy in Africa, serving as a logistical base for Chinese operations on the continent. However, this cooperation will need to be balanced with Egypt’s traditional relations with other powers, particularly the US, to avoid diplomatic tensions.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.