Japan and Russia are simultaneously reporting air operations over the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk amid a new escalation of regional surveillance.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that fighter jets from the Northern Air Defense Forces were sent on emergency alert following a suspected violation of Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk, north of the archipelago.
According to the announcement, the Air Force of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) immediately to interrupt and monitor, underscoring the country’s commitment to maintaining 24/7 readiness throughout the year to protect the territory and ensure the safety of citizens.
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At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense (Минобороны России) announced that strategic long-range bombers Tu-95MS from Long Range Aviation completed a planned flight of more than 11 hours over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan.
According to Moscow, the planes were escorted by fighter jets Su-35S and Su-30SM from the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), and on certain stretches they were accompanied by fighter planes from foreign countries.
The ministry stressed that all flights were conducted in full compliance with international airspace regulations, highlighting that such missions are regularly carried out over the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific, Black Sea and Baltic Sea.
Tensions and increased surveillance in the Asia-Pacific region
Although both governments describe the operations as routine and defensive, the incidents occur in a context of increasing military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts point out that the combination of Russian strategic flights and swift Japanese responses demonstrates the high level of aerial surveillance and preparedness maintained by both countries in an increasingly sensitive geopolitical landscape.
Sources: Japan Ministry of Defense – X @jointstaffpa | Ministry of Defense of Russia – Telegram @mod_russia. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
