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The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its flights were conducted “in strict compliance with international airspace rules.” Japan’s Defense Ministry said it would continue taking all necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens’ peaceful lives.
Russia continues to project military power around its eastern regions, despite ongoing conflicts. Earlier this month, it launched a joint naval patrol with China, sending vessels through waters near Japan as part of the “partnership without limitations.”
Japan regularly reports movements of Russian and Chinese military aircraft and vessels around its territory due to an unresolved territorial dispute with Russia over the Northern Territories (Southern Kuril Islands).
Between Tuesday morning and afternoon, two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two unidentified fighter jets flew southeast over the Sea of Japan before turning northeast towards Japan’s western coast.
Japan’s air defense identification zone is a buffer area not considered sovereign airspace, used to identify foreign military aircraft approaching its control area. According to international law, a coastal state’s sovereignty extends up to 13.8 miles from its coastline.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the Tu-95MS strategic bombers conducted a six-hour flight over international waters in the Sea of Japan and were supported by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets. Footage released by TASS news agency shows the bombers taking off and landing, escorted by fighter jets.
The Federation of American Scientists reported that the Tu-95MS bomber can carry up to 16 nuclear-armed air-launched cruise missiles. In November 2024, Russian military deployed these bombers for a joint patrol with Chinese bombers over the Sea of Japan.
Japan’s defense white paper 2025 noted Russia’s intensive military activities in the region encompassing the Northern Territories and its aggression against Ukraine, alongside observed joint activities with China involving aircraft and vessels.
The next steps may involve another joint air patrol by Russia and China with their nuclear-capable bombers over waters near Japan to demonstrate military coordination.
