Japan and Russia report current air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk in the context of a new escalation of regional surveillance.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Ministry of Defense of Japan announced that fighter jets of the Northern Air Defense Force were immediately raised due to a suspected violation of Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk, north of the archipelago.
According to a statement by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft (JASDF) immediately took off for interception and monitoring, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintain a 24/365 alert to protect the territory and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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At the same time, the Ministry of Defense of Russia (Минобороны России) announced that long-range strategic bombers Tu-95MS made a planned flight over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan lasting more than 11 hours.
According to Moscow, the planes were escorted by fighters Su-35S a Su-30SM of the Russian Space Forces (VKS) and in certain sections they were accompanied by fighters from foreign countries.
The ministry said that all flights were carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, stressing that these missions are also regularly carried out over the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Black Sea and Baltic Sea.
Tensions and increased surveillance in the Asia-Pacific region
Although both government agencies describe the operations as routine and defensive, the incidents take place in the context of increasing military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts point out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and Japan’s quick responses shows a high level of aerial surveillance and alertness by both countries in the face of an increasingly sensitive geopolitical scenario.
Source: Ministry of Defense of Japan – X @jointstaffpa | Ministry of Defense of Russia – Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
