China and Russia conduct reconnaissance flights near Japan

Chinese and Russian reconnaissance aircraft increased activity near Japan during the “Keen Sword 2027” military exercises conducted by Tokyo and Washington. According to the Japan Joint Staff, five flights occurred over four consecutive days from October 20 to October 23.

The flights included three missions by Chinese Y-9 patrol and intelligence aircraft and two missions by Russian Il-20 electronic intelligence aircraft. The Chinese Y-9 aircraft operated in the East China Sea and near the Okinawa and Miyako-jima islands, while the Russian Il-20 aircraft flew from Russian territory across the Sea of Japan toward the coast of Honshu.

Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled F-15J fighter jets to monitor and respond to these activities. No airspace violations were recorded during these operations.