Overview

• Japan scrambled fighter jets 704 times during fiscal year 2024, marking a 35-incident increase from the previous year.
• Chinese aircraft accounted for 464 of the scrambles, while Russian aircraft were involved in 237 incidents, reflecting heightened military activity near Japan.
• Interceptions of Chinese drones surged from 8 cases to 23, with 30 drones intercepted in total, showcasing China's growing use of unmanned aerial systems.
• Joint military drills between Chinese and Russian forces, including large-scale naval exercises, underscore deepening military ties between the two nations.
• The uptick in aerial and maritime activity aligns with broader regional tensions linked to U.S. alliances and containment strategies in the Asia-Pacific.