Strategic Tu-95 bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted a series of flights near Japanese airspace between January 21 and 24, 2026, over the Sea of Japan.
The information was released by the Joint Staff of the Japanese Ministry of Defense, which monitored all aerial activity in the region during this period.
On January 21, two Tu-95MS bombers followed a route eastward over the Sea of Japan, escorted by fighter jets. Near Shimane Prefecture, the aircraft changed course and returned northward toward Russian territory. Later, another pair of bombers flew west of Hokkaido Island, while a third group advanced to the vicinity of the Noto Peninsula before returning to Russian airspace.
In addition to the bombers, an Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft conducted a long-range flight on January 23, approaching the Japanese coast before returning. All aircraft were escorted by Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighters until they fully left the country’s air defense identification zone.
Japanese data shows that foreign air pressure remains high. In the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025, Japan conducted 448 intercept sorties, with China responsible for 68% of cases and Russia 29%. Tensions are highest in the southwest sector, while Tokyo also closely monitors Chinese carrier-based fighter operations and joint flights between Chinese H-6 and Russian Tu-95 bombers. In response to regional activity, Japan even deployed 16 F-2 fighters armed with 64 anti-ship missiles.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @shinjirokoiz | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
昨日21日（水）午後、ロシアの戦略爆撃機Tu-95と戦闘機が、次々に、日本海上空を我が国に向かって飛行してきました。
具体的には、
①まず、戦略爆撃機Tu-95×2機と戦闘機×2機が、大陸方面から飛来し、日本海上空を東進した後、島根県沖で変針し、大陸方面に向けて北進、… pic.twitter.com/dZmDeAErTS— Shinjiro Koizumi (@shinjirokoiz) January 22, 2026
