Russian strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads fly near Japanese airspace, Japanese aircraft scramble in response
The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on October 24 that two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers (Tu-95) and two Su-35 fighter jets flew near Japanese airspace, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's aircraft scrambled in response.
The Tu-95 is the only large four-turboprop, swept-wing long-range strategic bomber, air-launched missile launch platform, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and military passenger aircraft in service worldwide, capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Tu-95 has two ways to carry cruise missiles: external mounting or internal bomb bay. If the missile is mounted in the internal bomb bay, it is impossible to determine whether it carries a nuclear warhead through optical or radar detection methods alone.
On October 21, just after taking office, Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro posted on his X account: "Today, the Air Self-Defense Force's aircraft have scrambled in response to the Russian bombers and fighters flying in. The incoming Tu-95 is a strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and the Su-35 is a multi-role fighter used for invading Ukraine. Russia is conducting frequent military operations around our country while launching an invasion of Ukraine – this is the reality. The Self-Defense Forces will resolutely protect our territory, territorial waters, and airspace, and will carry out air defense infringement response and surveillance tasks 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
He wrote: According to information released by the Ministry of Defense, on October 24, 2025, it was confirmed that two Russian bombers (Tu-95) and two fighter jets (Su-35) were flying over Japanese airspace, and the fighter jets of the Central Air Defense Force and other units of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled in response.
The Ministry of Defense also stated that on the previous day, the 23rd, due to the possibility of airspace violations in the direction of the Okhotsk Sea, the fighter jets of the Northern Air Defense Force of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force had already been urgently airborne and taken action. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to maintain a fully prepared posture to safeguard the country's territory and the peaceful lives of its citizens throughout the year and around the clock.
It is reported that Koizumi told people around him: "In Japan, foreign aircraft infringing on airspace has become commonplace. I will issue information about it every time from now on." It is expected that he will further strengthen his information release on social media.
On the same day, 24th, Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro also met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Glass at the Ministry of Defense. In the meeting, he explained that the Ministry of Defense has started internal discussions to revise the three security-related documents, including the National Security Strategy. He emphasized: "To achieve a fundamental enhancement of defense capabilities, we will actively and decisively advance the discussion and decision-making at an unprecedented speed." Ambassador Glass mentioned the upcoming visit of U.S. President Trump to Japan and responded: "I hope to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance relationship."
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846945193096256/
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