Japan and Russia are reporting simultaneous air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, amid a new escalation in regional surveillance.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, Japan’s Defense Ministry said that Northern Air Defense Force jets were emergency deployed after detecting a possible violation of Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk, north of the archipelago.
According to the statement, the aircraft of the Japan Self-Defense Forces took off (JASDF) immediately to the interception and surveillance mission to underline the country’s commitment to be operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect the territory and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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In parallel, the Russian Ministry of Defense (Минобороны России) announced that long-range strategic bombers, Tu-95MSconducted a planned flight of over 11 hours over neutral waters of the Sea of Japan.
According to Moscow, the planes were accompanied by Su-35S and Su-30SM jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), and on certain sections they were observed by jets from foreign states.
The ministry emphasized that all flights were carried out in strict accordance with international rules on the use of airspace and that such missions also regularly take place over the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Pacific, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Tensions and increased surveillance in the Asia-Pacific region
Although both governments describe the operations as routine and defensive, the incidents come against a backdrop of increasing military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts point out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and rapid Japanese responses demonstrates the high level of air surveillance and operational readiness of both countries in an increasingly sensitive geopolitical environment.
Sources: Japanese Ministry of Defense – X @jointstaffpa | Russian Ministry of Defense – Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team
