Three Chinese J-16 fighter jets have been spotted at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport while transiting through Pakistan en route to Egypt for the Eagles of Civilization 2026 aerial exercise.
The J-16s were seen on the runway at Karachi airport in footage circulating on social media.
The aircraft were reportedly part of a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) contingent travelling to Egypt for the exercise.
The stop in Karachi was a transit point for the Chinese aircraft before they continued their journey to Egypt.
The J-16s were also spotted over Karachi before landing at the airport.
The Eagles of Civilization 2026 exercise is the destination for the PLAAF aircraft travelling through Pakistan, according to information on the movement of the contingent.
The J-16 is a Chinese multirole fighter aircraft capable of conducting both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft is based on the J-11 fighter family and is operated by the PLAAF.
A Chinese KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft was also previously reported at Karachi airport as part of the movement of PLAAF aircraft through Pakistan.
Such aircraft are designed to provide airborne surveillance and support the coordination of other aircraft during operations.
The sighting of the aircraft at Karachi airport comes as the PLAAF contingent makes its way to Egypt for the aerial exercise, with Pakistan serving as a transit point for the aircraft.
