Japan Sees Decrease in Airspace Challenges from China
According to Japan's Joint Staff, Chinese pilots made the fewest approaches toward Japanese airspace in over a decade this spring and summer.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots scrambled 265 times to meet foreign aircraft from April to September, down from 358 during the same period last year.
- 26% fewer intercepts in the first half of Japan's 2025 fiscal year compared to 2024
- Continuing a three-year decline in airspace challenges
Despite the decrease in airspace challenges, Beijing has increased its drone flights near Japan's westernmost island.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots board an Mitsubishi F-2A fighter jet at an undisclosed location.
Author's summary: Japan sees a decline in airspace challenges from China.