China’s defence industrial penetration into Africa may signal the end of long-term dependence on Russian aerospace products, driven by increased sanctions and production pressures linked to its conflict with Ukraine. This was clearly shown at the recent El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt, which marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) displayed a KJ-500 airborne early warning (AEW&C) aircraft, a Xian YY-20 air-to-air tanker, a Chengdu J-16 and a Z-20 maritime helicopter at the Airshow. Most of these aircraft took part in last month’s ‘Eagles of Civilisation 2026’, a joint exercise between the PLAAF and the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) during which the YY-20 air-refuelled EAF Rafale DMs. The EAF has no air refuelling aircraft, and the only Chinese aircraft it currently operates are the K-8 Karakorum jet trainer and the Wing Loong I UAV.
Russia also attended the airshow, showcasing the Sukhoi Su-57E Felon equipped with short-range RVV-MD2 air-to-air missiles, long-range RVV-BD air-to-air missiles, Kh-38MLE air-to-ground missiles, and Kh-69 and Kh-58USHKE cruise missiles. It also displayed the S-71K Kover, a cruise missile developed by the United Aircraft Corporation and designed to fit within the Su-57’s main weapon bay, while integration onto the S-70 Okhotnik heavy UAV is also being considered.
Although the Su-57 is not yet in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, it is being delivered to the Algerian Air Force as part of an order for 12 Felons placed in 2024. However, deliveries have been delayed while Algeria is acquiring a small number of Su-35 Flanker Ms from Russia. Meanwhile, Algeria is preparing for a historic shift in its airpower by finalising the acquisition of an undisclosed number of Chinese J-10C Firebird multirole fighters and KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. China has already supplied Algeria with CH-4 and Wing Loong II armed UAVs Its air force has no AEW&C aircraft. However, Algeria faces threats and terrorism, especially in border areas near Mali, Niger, Libya, and Tunisia, as well as remote desert regions.
by David Oliver
