Japan and Russia report simultaneous air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, amid new escalation of regional surveillance.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that fighters from the Northern Air Defense Force were activated on an emergency basis following a suspected violation of Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk, a region north of the archipelago.
According to the statement, the Air Self-Defense Force aircraft (JASDF) took off immediately for interception and monitoring, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintaining readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to protect the territory and guarantee the safety of its citizens.
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In parallel, the Russian Ministry of Defense (Минобороны России) announced that strategic bombers Tu-95MS of Long Range Aviation carried out a planned flight of more than 11 hours over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan.
According to Moscow, the aircraft were escorted by fighter jets Su-35S e Su-30SM of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), and in certain sections they were accompanied by fighter jets from foreign countries.
The ministry stated that all flights were conducted in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, highlighting that these missions are also carried out regularly over the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Pacific, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Tensions and heightened surveillance in Asia-Pacific
Although both governments describe the operations as routine and defensive, the incidents occur against a backdrop of increased military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts point out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and quick Japanese responses highlights the high level of vigilance and aerial readiness maintained by both countries in the face of an increasingly sensitive geopolitical scenario.
Sources: Japanese Ministry of Defense – X @jointstaffpa | Russian Ministry of Defense – Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
