Summary
South Korea and Japan sent fighter jets in response to a joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese military planes near their territories. These countries acted because the aircraft entered an area where planes are expected to identify themselves, although it is not officially their airspace. The patrol by Russia and China is part of regular military exercises.
Key Facts
- South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets after Russian and Chinese military planes conducted a joint air patrol nearby.
- Russian and Chinese planes entered South Korea’s Air Defence Identification Zone, known as KADIZ.
- South Korea sent fighter jets to prepare for any possible issues during this event.
- Japan also deployed jets to secure its airspace after the joint patrol by Russia and China.
- Russia and China's activity involved planes capable of carrying nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
- This was the 10th joint air patrol between Russia and China according to their annual cooperation plans.
- Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that foreign fighter jets followed their planes at certain points.
