Japan and Russia report simultaneous air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Ohotsk Sea amid a new escalation of regional surveillance.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that fighter jets from the Northern Air Defense Force were deployed on an emergency basis following a suspected violation of Japanese airspace over the Ohotsk Sea, north of the archipelago.
According to the statement, the aircraft of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) immediately to intercept and monitor, underscoring the country’s commitment to be ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect the territory and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense (Минобороны России) announced that long-range strategic bombers Tu-95MS of Long Range Aviation carried out a planned flight of more than 11 hours over neutral waters of the Sea of Japan.
According to Moscow, the planes were escorted by fighter planes Su-35S in Su-30SM of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), and on certain routes they were followed by fighter planes of foreign countries.
The ministry stated that all flights were in full compliance with international rules for the use of airspace, stressing that such missions are regularly carried out over the Arctic, the North Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Tensions and increased scrutiny in the Asia-Pacific
Although both governments describe the operations as routine and defensive, the incidents come against the backdrop of increasing military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts point out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and rapid Japanese responses highlights the high level of air surveillance and preparedness that both countries maintain in an increasingly sensitive geopolitical landscape.
Sources: Japanese Ministry of Defense – X @jointstaffpa | Russian Ministry of Defense – Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
