On 5 January 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Defense published information about the scramble carried out by the Japan Air Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) on 29 and 30 December, due to the risk of airspace violations in the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
According to the statement, fighter jets from the Southwestern Air Command were deployed to respond to the incidents and monitor air activities deemed sensitive near Japanese territory.
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On December 29 in Reiwa Year 7 (2025), the 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 the island of Miyako, heading for the Pacific Ocean. In response to this activity, the JASDF conducted immediate contingency launches with fighter jets for surveillance and response.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces stated that they will maintain permanent readiness, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the aim of protecting national territory and ensuring the peaceful life of the population, while strengthening the continuous monitoring of air activities in the region.
Source and images: Japan Ministry of Defense — Joint Staff | X @jointstaffpa. This content has been prepared with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editors.
