China and Russia are leveraging the inaugural Egypt International Airshow to display their military hardware for sale, aiming to solidify their foothold in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Both nations are eager to bolster their geopolitical ties, particularly in Africa, where the United States has experienced noticeable setbacks in military presence. For Moscow and Beijing, this event serves as an opportunity to entice Egypt away from the U.S, its longtime defense supporter.
“Egypt’s status as a major non-NATO ally and the largest Arab military—along with its extensive equipment needs, especially as Cairo prepares to deploy forces in Somalia—is key,” remarked Mohammed Soliman, strategic advisor at McLarty Associates and director at the Middle East Institute, in an interview with Breaking Defense. “The message from China and Russia is clear: they are reinforcing their strong relationship with Egypt, signaling that the United States is not the only player in the Middle East. Both countries view Egypt as a gateway to greater influence in Africa and the Arab market.”
According to Norman Ricklefs, CEO of the geopolitical consultancy firm NAMEA Group, „China is particularly keen on establishing a defense relationship with Egypt, a longtime U.S. ally situated in a strategic position. This aligns with China’s broader geopolitical strategy, which also involves providing loans to Egypt.”
Meanwhile, Russia is focusing on the Sahel and West Africa as regions of potential geopolitical expansion, Ricklefs added.
China and Russia’s efforts to position Egypt as a potential market are significant, especially given the longstanding military cooperation between Cairo and Washington. Egypt is a major recipient of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) from the U.S., receiving over $50 billion in military aid since 1978. In 2023 alone, the U.S. allocated $1.21 billion in FMF for Cairo, according to government databases.
However, the future of this funding seems uncertain. Senator Robert Menendez, a significant advocate for the initiative, was convicted of corruption involving the Egyptian government and will lose his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee come January.
Showcasing Military Hardware
Both Russia and China brought out impressive displays of military equipment to captivate potential customers. Ricklefs noted that „China is the clear highlight of this airshow,” as it is showcasing its domestically produced J-10 fighter aircraft—which Egypt is currently considering for purchase—and particularly its Y-20 military transport aircraft, which has aerial tanker and AWACS variants.
The Y-20 made a symbolic flight above the pyramids on Tuesday, accompanied by six J-10 fighter jets, which will be on display throughout the event at El Alamein International Airport. Ricklefs mentioned that earlier this month, China also showcased the Y-20 export model to Nigerian defense officials, indicating a growing interest in the region.
The Y-20 has seldom been deployed outside of China, and „the Chinese now have an export version that they would like to sell,” he added.
Soliman emphasized that as Egypt grapples with challenges in acquiring the F-15—let alone the F-35—Cairo is likely exploring alternative options to meet its strategic needs. „Discussions between Cairo and Beijing may revolve around Chinese stealth fighters like the J-20, and the focus isn’t solely on stealth capabilities; drones and transport aircraft are also likely on the table. With Egypt shifting towards developing its domestic military industries, it sees Moscow and Beijing as potential partners in this endeavor,” Soliman stated.
During the first day of the show, Chinese electronics firm ELINC finalized a deal with the Arab Organization for Industrialization to manufacture defense systems. While specific deal details were not disclosed, such agreements typically involve technology transfers from the primary company (in this case, Chinese) to the Arab nation.
Russia is also displaying an array of defense equipment, with state-owned ROSOBORONEXPORT showcasing its Ka-52 attack helicopter equipped with the 305E guided missile, along with a mockup of the Sukhoi Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet pitched with its new Kh-69 missile.
“Our presence here will enhance military-technical cooperation between Russia and Egypt, as well as further develop relations with countries in Africa and the Middle East, which represent over 50 percent of our company’s portfolio. I believe that this Airshow has a bright future, and we are prepared to be regular exhibitors,” stated Alexander Mikheev, director general of ROSOBORONEXPORT.
Additionally, Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, Orlan-10E and Orlan-30, are also on display, both of which Russia has been aiming to market in the Middle East.
Mikheev reiterated that as Egypt confronts difficulties in securing F-15s—or F-35s—it is likely exploring alternative options to satisfy its strategic demands.” This highlights the ongoing pivot of Egypt towards potential partnerships with Moscow and Beijing in its defense procurements.
