Japan’s Ministry of Defense released information on January 5, 2026, regarding emergency scrambles carried out by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) on December 29 and 30, 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 scrambled to respond to the incidents and to monitor aerial activities considered sensitive near Japanese territory.
On December 29 of Reiwa 7 (2025), the passage of Chinese military aircraft was confirmed, including H-6 bombers, J-16 fighters, and Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft, through the airspace between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island, proceeding toward the Pacific Ocean. In response to this movement, the JASDF immediately scrambled fighter jets for monitoring and response.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces stated 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 lives of the population, reinforcing continuous monitoring of aerial activities in the region.
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Source and images: Japan Ministry of Defense — Joint Staff | X @jointstaffpa. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
