J-15 fighter jets from the Chinese Navy, operating from the aircraft carrier Shandong, made dangerous approaches to a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) during surveillance missions in the western Pacific Ocean.
According to information from the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the first incident occurred on Saturday, June 7, between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. (local time), when the Chinese fighter jets shadowed the Japanese aircraft for approximately 40 minutes. The second episode was recorded on Sunday, June 8, between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., lasting about 80 minutes.
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During these actions, the J-15s carried out an unusual approach, flying just 45 meters horizontally from the P-3C aircraft, with no altitude difference. In Sunday’s incident, one of the jets flew approximately 900 meters ahead of the Japanese aircraft’s flight path, again at the same altitude, increasing the risk of a collision.
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Although no damage was reported to the MSDF aircraft or its crew, Japanese authorities expressed serious concern over the Chinese maneuvers, emphasizing that such risky approaches could lead to serious accidents due to unintentional collisions. The Japanese government formally requested measures to prevent similar future incidents.
The incident comes amid increased Chinese military activity in international waters and highlights rising tensions in Pacific airspace, especially near areas that are strategic for the security of Japan and its allies.
Source and images: Japan Ministry of Defense. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
