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China and Russia fly 11th joint strategic bomber patrol over Sea of Japan and East China Sea

A 15-aircraft formation including Tu-95MS and H-6 bombers, with tankers, AWACS and electronic-warfare jets, flew a six-hour circuit on June 27; Japan and South Korea scrambled fighters and lodged formal protests, South Korea summoning both embassies.

Defence·Conflicts· active How Wars Actually End·The Long Game ·5 takes · ·rbtfl upd Jun 30, 2026

Summary

China and Russia conducted their 11th joint strategic air patrol on June 27, sending a formation of more than 15 aircraft over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific in a roughly six-hour flight. The Russian contingent included two Tu-95MS strategic bombers, two Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters. China flew four H-6 bombers and J-16 fighters alongside a YY-20A aerial-refuelling tanker, a KJ-500 airborne early-warning aircraft, and Y-9 electronic-warfare variants. US F-35As and Japanese F-15Js intercepted the formation; South Korea scrambled aircraft as more than 10 Russian and Chinese planes entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone over the East Sea. Both Japan and South Korea lodged formal diplomatic protests on June 28, with Seoul summoning the Chinese and Russian embassies.

The split

Japan and South Korea issued terse official protests focused on the ADIZ penetration and the scale of the formation, both careful not to allege airspace violation. China's state media framed the patrol as proof of growing operational reach and joint readiness, citing the expanded support package, including tankers and AWACS, as evidence that exercises are maturing from symbol to real capability. Russian coverage mirrored Beijing's, stressing compliance with international law. Neither Moscow nor Beijing acknowledged Seoul's summoning of their ambassadors.

By the numbers

  • 15+, aircraft in the formation, the largest support package in 11 patrols
  • 6 hours, approximate duration of the patrol
  • 11th, number of joint strategic air patrols since the program began in 2019
  • 10+, Chinese and Russian aircraft that entered South Korea's KADIZ
  • 2, Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers in the formation
  • 4, Chinese H-6 bombers in the formation

Why it matters

Each successive patrol adds to a pattern: the formations grow larger and more capable, the route now reaches the western Pacific. The 11th patrol comes as the US Iran Ceasefire Mou leaves US assets in the Gulf stretched, and as Japan accelerates its own rearmament. South Korea's decision to summon both embassies is firmer than its usual muted response, reflecting domestic pressure after the patrol entered its ADIZ.

What to watch

  • Whether China or Russia extends the next patrol further into the Pacific or adds surface-ship coordination.
  • Japan's formal response in diet debates and its next defence budget submission.
  • Whether the patrol triggers a US-Japan-South Korea joint response statement.
  • Chinese carrier Liaoning's position, which analysts previously linked to joint patrol timing.