Japan and Russia simultaneously report air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk amid a new escalation of regional surveillance.
On Friday 24 October 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that fighter jets from the Northern Air Defense Force were sent up on an emergency mission following a suspected violation of Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk, north of the archipelago.
According to the announcement, the planes of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) immediately off to conduct interception and surveillance, stressing the country’s commitment to be ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect its territory and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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In parallel, the Russian Ministry of Defense (Минобороны России) announced that strategic long-range bombers Tu-95MS from Long Range Aviation carried out a planned flight of over 11 hours over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan.
According to Moscow, the planes were escorted by fighter jets Su-35S and Su-30SM from the Russian Air and Space Forces (VKS), and on some stretches they were followed by fighter planes from foreign countries.
The ministry stated that all flights were carried out in full compliance with international rules for the use of airspace, and emphasized that such missions are also regularly carried out over the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Pacific, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Tensions and increased surveillance in the Asia-Pacific region
Although both governments describe the operations as routine and defensive, the incidents occur in a context of increased military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts point out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and swift Japanese responses demonstrates the high level of aerial surveillance and preparedness that both countries maintain in an increasingly sensitive geopolitical landscape.
Sources: Japan Ministry of Defense – X @jointstaffpa | Russian Ministry of Defense – Telegram @mod_russia. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
