Japan Scrambles Fighters as Russia and China Fly Nuclear-Capable Bombers Near Its Borders

On December 9, Japan detected military activity involving Russian and Chinese bombers flying near Japanese airspace.

According to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the bombers conducted joint flights, with two Russian Tu-95 bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, flying from the Sea of Japan to the Tsushima Strait. There, they met up with two Chinese H-6 bombers, which are capable of carrying long-range missiles, in the East China Sea.

The bombers continued their route, flying over the area between Okinawa and Miyako Islands, extending their flight path to the Pacific Ocean near Shikoku, in the vicinity of Japan's borders. In addition to the bombers, eight Chinese J-16 fighter jets accompanied the aircraft, and Russia's early warning control aircraft, A-50, was also observed.

“The repeated joint bomber flights by the two countries indicate an expansion and intensification of their activities around our country, and they clearly aim to demonstrate a show of force against our country, which is a serious concern for our national security,” Koizumi wrote

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

With a New 100+ km Range, Russia’s KAB Bombs Now Endanger Ukrainian Cities Once Thought Out of Their Reach

Oct 26, 2025 08:58

In response, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force promptly scrambled fighter jets from the Southwest Air Command to conduct strict airspace infringement measures, he added.

Earlier, nine Chinese and Russian military aircraft briefly entered South Korea's air defense identification zone (KADIZ), prompting the country's Joint Chiefs of Staff to deploy fighter jets in a precautionary response.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time, with two Chinese aircraft and seven Russian planes—comprising both bombers and fighter jets—entering KADIZ in sequence. The aircraft flew over waters located to the east and south of the Korean Peninsula.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters risk their lives to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support keeps them safe, equipped, and reporting.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE REPORTS