On December 9, 2025, Russian and Chinese air forces conducted their 10th joint strategic air patrol since 2019, flying over the Sea of Japan (East Sea), East China Sea, and western Pacific Ocean. The eight-hour mission involved nuclear-capable bombers and escort fighters operating in international airspace but entering the Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) of Japan and South Korea, triggering immediate responses from both nations’ air forces.
Details of the Patrol
- Russian Aircraft:
- Two Tu-95MS nuclear-capable strategic bombers (NATO reporting name: Bear).
- Supported by two Su-30 fighters and one A-50 early-warning and control aircraft in the Sea of Japan.
- Chinese Aircraft:
- Two H-6 (or H-6K) strategic bombers.
- Four J-16 multirole fighter jets, which escorted the formation during a round-trip segment through the Miyako Strait (international waters between Japan’s Okinawa and Miyako islands).
The Russian Tu-95MS bombers departed from bases in the Russian Far East, flew south over the Sea of Japan, rendezvoused with the Chinese H-6 bombers in the East China Sea, and then conducted a joint long-range flight into the western Pacific Ocean. The formation passed near sensitive Japanese territories, including south of Okinawa.
Both Russia and China described the patrol as part of their annual military cooperation plan, emphasizing that it was not directed at any third country and complied with international law. Russian fighters provided cover in northern segments, while Chinese J-16s escorted in southern areas near Japan. Foreign (Japanese and South Korean) fighters shadowed the formation at various points.
Responses from Japan and South Korea
- Japan: The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled fighter jets, primarily F-15Js, to monitor the aircraft and enforce ADIZ procedures. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (noted in some reports as Shinjiro Koizumi in others—likely a reference variation) called the operation a “clear show of force” and a “serious concern for national security,” especially amid recent tensions, including a disputed radar lock-on incident involving Chinese carrier-based jets on December 6-7.
- South Korea: The Republic of Korea Air Force scrambled fighters after nine aircraft (seven Russian, two Chinese) entered its Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) around 10 a.m. local time. No territorial airspace violations occurred.
No airspace incursions into sovereign territory were reported by any party.
Aircraft Involved
The Tu-95MS is a propeller-driven, nuclear-capable strategic bomber with intercontinental range, while the H-6 is China’s primary long-range bomber, capable of carrying cruise missiles.
Broader Context
This patrol marks the latest in deepening Russia-China military ties, with similar joint flights occurring annually. It comes amid heightened regional tensions, including disputes over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and recent incidents involving China’s Liaoning carrier group. While routine for Moscow and Beijing, such operations are viewed by Tokyo and Seoul as provocative demonstrations of coordinated power projection in the Indo-Pacific.