News|MilitaryS Korea, Japan scramble warplanes in response to Russia, China air patrolSeoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said Russian, Chinese planes entered its air defence zone during the joint exercise.
## Joint Air Patrol by Russia and China Near South Korea and Japan
Joint Air Patrol by Russia and China Near South Korea and Japan
On Tue, Dec 9, 2025, Russian and Chinese military aircraft conducted a joint air patrol near South Korea and Japan, prompting both countries to scramble fighter jets. The patrol involved seven Russian and two Chinese aircraft entering South Korea's Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) around 10am local time (01:00 GMT).
The aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, were detected before entering the KADIZ—a zone where aircraft are expected to identify themselves. South Korea dispatched fighter jets to prepare for any potential contingencies. The planes flew in and out of the KADIZ for approximately one hour.
Japan also deployed military aircraft to enforce air defense measures following the joint patrol, aiming to counter potential airspace violations. Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's Minister of Defence, reported that two Russian Tu-95 bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, traversed from the Sea of Japan to the Tsushima Strait, joining two Chinese jets equipped for long-range missiles.
Additional aircraft involved included eight Chinese J-16 fighter jets and a Russian A-50, which accompanied the bombers on a route around Japan, passing between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island.
The aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, were detected before entering the KADIZ—a zone where aircraft are expected to identify themselves.
Koizumi described the joint flights as an expansion of military activities in the region, raising concerns for national security. The maneuvers signify intensified military cooperation between Russia and China.
China's Ministry of National Defence confirmed the joint air drills were part of annual plans, conducted over the East China Sea and western Pacific Ocean. This marks the 10th joint strategic air patrol with Russia. Moscow stated the exercise lasted eight hours, with foreign jets following at certain stages.
Since 2019, China and Russia have regularly conducted military flights near South Korean and Japanese airspace, citing joint exercises. In November 2024, South Korea scrambled jets when Chinese and Russian planes entered its air defense zone. A similar response occurred in 2022 when Japan deployed jets as Russian and Chinese aircraft neared its airspace.
The joint military and defense collaboration between China and Russia has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both nations are also allies of North Korea, which poses a regional security challenge for South Korea and Japan.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.