China Military Exercises: Names, Partners & Updates
Compare Falcon Shield and Eagles of Civilization by partner, location and announced training window, then follow our latest exercise reporting.
Falcon Shield vs Eagles of Civilization
These names refer to different bilateral air-force training series. Falcon Shield pairs China with the United Arab Emirates; Eagles of Civilization pairs China with Egypt. The comparison below separates the partners, host locations and announced schedules, so reports about one are not mistaken for the other.
| Exercise and report | Partner / host | Announced window | Announced training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon Shield-2026: China–UAE drills猎鹰盾牌 · fourth edition | United Arab Emirates / Hotan, Xinjiang, China | Late August to mid-September 2026 | Command simulation, flight training and mixed-force drills |
| Eagles of Civilization-2026: China–Egypt drills文明之鹰 · second edition | Egypt / Egypt | Mid-August to early September 2026 | Air combat tactics, air superiority, combat search and rescue, and force-employment drills |
Source basis: China’s Ministry of National Defense announcements of August 21 (Falcon Shield) and August 14 (Eagles of Civilization). Announcement dates and planned windows do not establish actual completion or training results.
How to read the updates
Check the exercise name, year, partner and host before comparing reports. A scheduling announcement, an arrival report and a completed-exercise report describe different stages. Announced objectives also differ from demonstrated results; the table does not assess operational effectiveness.
Our latest exercise reports follow below. For wider coverage beyond drills, visit Defense & Strategy.
Navy Aviation Unit Tests Manned and Unmanned Teaming in Anti-Submarine Drill
A naval aviation unit paired manned anti-submarine patrol aircraft with unmanned aerial vehicles to construct an aerial search network during a combat drill.
China and Laos Conduct Full-Process Humanitarian Medical Drill in Vientiane
The 'Peace Train-2026' joint exercise integrated drones, robot dogs, and unmanned evacuation vehicles into disaster relief operations.
China Coast Guard Conducts Boarding and Towing Drills Near Scarborough Shoal
A spokesperson announced maritime law enforcement exercises focusing on interdiction, boarding, and forced towing in contested waters.
China's Southern Theater Command Conducts Joint Drills Near Scarborough Shoal
The naval and air exercises followed Philippine humanitarian drills with external partners in the disputed South China Sea waters.
Chinese Military to Join ADMM-Plus Trident Resolve Disaster Drill in Indonesia
A Chinese detachment will participate in multinational disaster relief and medical exercises under the ASEAN-led framework.
China, Russia, and Mongolia to Stage Joint Border Defense Drill
Trilateral forces will rehearse joint planning, searches, strikes, and handovers targeting border sabotage and reconnaissance.
China's Defense Ministry Outlines Naval Port Calls and Student Military Drills
A regular briefing details naval diplomacy in Southeast Asia and nationwide student training revisions.
China and Singapore Conclude Maritime Cooperation-2026 Naval Exercise
Naval forces from both nations completed five days of bilateral harbor exchanges and maritime drills.
China and Belarus Conclude Eagle-2026 Airborne Counter-Terror Exercises
The two-week drills in an urban counter-terrorism setting marked the fourth edition of the bilateral airborne training series.
China and Laos Open Peace Train 2026 Medical Exercise in Vientiane
PLA medical personnel deploy by train across the China-Laos Railway for bilateral disaster response drills and civilian outreach.
PLA Group Army Unit Pilots Grassroots Joint Training on Plateau
A missile battalion under the 76th Group Army initiated bottom-up coordination with neighboring Air Force and Army Aviation units to overcome training constraints in remote terrain.
China and Singapore Launch Joint Maritime Exercise in Zhanjiang
The bilateral drills feature two frigates conducting harbor exchanges and upcoming live maritime maneuvers.