On January 5, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Defense released information on scrambles conducted by the Japan Air Force (JASDF) on December 29 and 30, 2025, 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 alerted to respond to the events and monitor air activities deemed sensitive in the vicinity of Japanese territory.
On December 29, Reiwa 7 (2025), Chinese military aircraft, including H-6 bombers, J-16 fighters, and Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft, were confirmed to pass through the airspace between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island, continuing towards the Pacific Ocean. In response to this movement, the JASDF immediately conducted contingency launches with surveillance and intervention combat aircraft.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces stated that they will maintain constant readiness, 24/7, to protect the national territory and ensure the peaceful life of the population, while strengthening continuous surveillance of air activities in the region.
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Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Japan — Joint Staff | X @jointstaffpa. This content has been created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
