Overview
- Japan said two US B-52 bombers flew with three F-35s and three F-15s over the Sea of Japan on Dec. 10, calling the display a reaffirmation of alliance resolve.
- Japan and South Korea scrambled fighters on Dec. 9 after a China–Russia joint patrol transited the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and western Pacific and briefly entered South Korea’s ADIZ.
- Tokyo reported two Russian Tu-95s linked up with two Chinese H-6 bombers for roughly eight hours, with sections escorted by Chinese J-16s and supported by a Russian A-50 and Su-30s through the Miyako and Tsushima Straits.
- Seoul lodged protests with Chinese and Russian defense attaches, and Japan conveyed serious security concerns, as Tokyo labeled the flights a show of force.
- Beijing and Moscow described the mission as their 10th routine strategic air patrol since 2019, while Japan’s separate claim that Chinese carrier fighters locked fire-control radar on its jets remains disputed.