PLA Air Force showcases four aircraft types at Egypt's El Alamein airshow
China's PLA Air Force displayed four indigenously developed aircraft at the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt, its second appearance at the event.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force is exhibiting four types of indigenously developed aircraft at the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt, marking the first time all four have been publicly displayed together at a show outside China.
The aircraft — a KJ-500 early warning aircraft, a YY-20A aerial refuelling tanker, a J-16 fighter jet and a Z-20K helicopter — are on static display at El Alamein International Airport in El Dabaa, at the invitation of the Egyptian military. It is the PLA Air Force's second appearance at the event.
The second edition of the airshow opened on Tuesday and runs for three days, featuring aircraft exhibitions, flying displays and a showcase of aerospace, defence and space products and services.
The four types represent landmark achievements in the PLA Air Force's strategic transformation, according to the service. The J-16 is a tandem-seat, heavy, multi-role fighter primarily tasked with gaining air superiority and conducting ground attacks. The KJ-500 is described as a core node of the PLA's airborne network information system, capable of early warning detection, command and control, and cross-platform joint strikes in all weather and complex electromagnetic environments. The Z-20 is a medium-lift helicopter with twin China-made engines able to perform air assault and transport missions in day-and-night conditions. The YY-20A tanker is noted for its long range, high speed, large fuel capacity and high compatibility, and is regarded as a force multiplier for long-range operations.
Speaking about the deployment, soldier Jiao Lianjian said the crews flew across multiple countries and regions over thousands of kilometres to reach Egypt, describing the journey as smooth and successful and a full test of the reliability of domestically produced fighter jets and the unit's long-range projection capability.
Zhang Hang said the Egyptian show marked the first time the YY-20 had flown abroad for an exhibition, adding that many foreign counterparts and journalists had come to see the refuelling equipment and ask questions — a reflection of the leapfrog improvement in the PLA Air Force's long-range strategic projection capability.
Hu Min said cooperation between the Chinese and Egyptian air forces had continued to deepen, from joint exercises to exhibiting on the same stage. He said the airshow would be used as an opportunity to strengthen communication and exchanges with air forces from around the world, share development experience and deepen practical cooperation.
The El Alamein International Airshow is one of the largest professional aviation and defence exhibitions in Africa and the Middle East. Before the event, the Chinese and Egyptian air forces had just concluded the "Eagles of Civilization 2026" joint training exercise, with the Chinese contingent redeployed directly to the airshow — a seamless transition from joint training to exhibition.