Overview
- South Korea detected seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft entering its air defense identification zone multiple times on December 9, prompting emergency fighter launches.
- Japan reported two Russian Tu-95 bombers rendezvousing with two Chinese H-6s before a joint circuit around the country, leading Tokyo to scramble jets and issue formal complaints.
- Beijing described the flights as the 10th strategic joint air patrol conducted under annual cooperation plans, while Moscow confirmed the participation of strategic bombers and said the mission lasted about eight hours.
- Seoul and Tokyo filed diplomatic protests over the operations near their territories, with Japanese officials citing serious national security concerns.
- South Korea said it will continue active responses to foreign military activity inside its ADIZ in line with international law, noting no violation of its sovereign airspace occurred.