Japan and the United States conducted joint military air drills over the Sea of Japan on Wednesday in response to recent Chinese and Russian military operations in the region. The exercise involved strategic coordination between Japanese fighter jets and U.S. bombers, highlighting the strength of the Japan–U.S. alliance and signalling a firm commitment to regional security.

The drills included two U.S. B‑52 strategic bombers flying alongside six Japanese fighter jets, comprising three F‑35 stealth fighters and three F‑15 air-superiority jets, Japan’s Defence Ministry said in a statement. The Ministry noted that the operation was designed to “enhance the readiness posture of Japan and U.S. forces” and reaffirm “the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.”

The joint exercise comes after a series of Chinese and Russian military flights over the East China Sea and the western Pacific, including a Chinese aircraft carrier exercise near Japanese airspace and joint patrols by Russian and Chinese bombers. Japanese officials said their jets scrambled to monitor the movements, emphasising that the drills were “to ensure the protection of Japanese airspace and sovereignty.”

A spokesperson for the Japanese Defence Ministry said, “This exercise demonstrates our determination to maintain stability in the region and prevent any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force.” The statement added that the drills were “a clear message that Japan and the United States are committed to responding jointly to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.”

The U.S. military also released a statement noting the participation of B‑52 bombers, saying, “These operations are designed to ensure freedom of navigation and uphold the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.” The statement emphasised that the alliance with Japan is “unwavering” and that the drills were conducted to “demonstrate combined readiness and deterrence against destabilising activities.”

Tokyo has repeatedly voiced concern over Chinese and Russian military activities, including flights that it claims encroach upon Japanese air defence identification zones. Japan’s Defence Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said, “We will continue to respond firmly to any actions that threaten peace and security in our region.” The Ministry added that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen joint operational coordination with U.S. forces. China responded to the Japanese drills by defending its recent military exercises.

A Chinese Ministry of Defence spokesperson said, “Our aircraft operations are legitimate and in accordance with international law. The presence of Japanese jets near our carrier has endangered air operations, which we strongly protest.”

The joint drills between the U.S. and Japan are the latest in a series of military exercises aimed at countering regional threats and demonstrating the readiness of allied forces. Both countries maintain a significant military presence in the region, including U.S. carrier strike groups and forward-deployed units in Japan, with the objective of safeguarding maritime security and deterring potential aggression.

The United States and Japan conducted coordinated air drills over the Sea of Japan involving U.S. strategic bombers and Japanese fighter jets. Japanese and U.S. officials said the exercises demonstrate their resolve to maintain regional stability, deter unilateral actions, and protect airspace and sovereignty. The drills follow increased Chinese and Russian military activities, drawing criticism from Tokyo and Washington, while Beijing maintains that its operations are lawful.