On January 5, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Defense released information on scrambles conducted by the Japan Air Force (JASDF) on December 29 and 30, 2025 due to the risk of airspace violations over the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
According to the announcement, fighter jets from the Southwestern Air Command were deployed to respond to the incidents and monitor air activities deemed sensitive near Japanese territory.
On December 29, in Reiwa 7 (2025), passage of Chinese military aircraft, including H-6 bombers, J-16 fighters, and Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft, was confirmed through the airspace between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island heading towards the Pacific Ocean. In response to this movement, the JASDF immediately launched emergency sorties with fighter jets for surveillance and response.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces stressed that they will maintain constant readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the aim of protecting national territory and ensuring the peaceful life of the people, while strengthening the continuous monitoring of air activities in the region.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Japan — Joint Staff | X @jointstaffpa. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
