Japan and Russia reported simultaneous air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, as regional surveillance operations enter a new phase of tension.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that fighter jets from the Northern Air Defense Force were urgently dispatched after a suspected violation of Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk.
According to the statement, the Self-Defense Force Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) The aircraft took off immediately to perform interception and surveillance missions, reinforcing Japan’s efforts to maintain 24/7 readiness to defend the country’s territory and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense (Минобороны России) is developing a long-range strategic bomber. Tu-95MSannounced that it had conducted a planned flight for more than 11 hours over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan.
According to Moscow, the aircraft are fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). Su-35S and Su-30SMIt was escorted by , and in some sections, foreign fighter planes accompanied it.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that all flights were carried out in strict compliance with international aviation laws, and said such missions are also regularly carried out over the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific, Black Sea and Baltic Sea.
Intensifying tensions and surveillance in the Asia-Pacific region
Although both governments described the operation as a routine and defensive measure, the incident comes amid increased military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts pointed out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and Japan’s rapid response demonstrates the high level of surveillance and air readiness that both countries maintain in an increasingly sensitive geopolitical environment.
Source: Japan Ministry of Defense – X @jointstaffpa | Russian Ministry of Defense – Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
