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Japan and South Korea scrambled fighter jets in response to a joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol on Saturday, the 11th such patrol since 2019 and the first this year. Source: SCMP
The People's Liberation Army Air Force said the patrols passed over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific, demonstrating the two countries' resolve to safeguard regional peace and stability. Source: SCMP Specific aircraft tracked by Japan included Chinese H-6 bombers, Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers, as well as Chinese J-16 fighters, Russian Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft, and a Russian Su-30 fighter. Source: SCMP Some aircraft flew through the Miyako Strait, a key waterway to the western Pacific. Source: SCMP
South Korea scrambled fighters after more than 10 Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered its Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) over the East Sea and South Sea, though they did not violate South Korean airspace. Source: CNA The Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul said they detected the aircraft before entry and deployed fighters as a precaution. Source: CNA An air defence identification zone is not sovereign airspace but a buffer area for identification; notification is not legally required. Source: CNA
South Korea and Japan reacted furiously when nine Chinese and Russian aircraft entered the KADIZ in December 2025, prompting diplomatic protests. China and Russia described the latest flights as a joint patrol over the East Sea and western Pacific.