The show of force highlights growing regional tensions as China asserts its military presence.
The 6th Air Wing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-15 fighters hold a joint military drill with the U.S. B-52 bomber over Sea of Japan on December 10, 2025
Japan says US B-52 bombers flew with Japanese F-15s and F-35sImage: Defense Ministry of Japan/REUTERS
US nuclear-capable bombers joined Japanese fighter planes for a flight over the Sea of Japan, Tokyo said Thursday.
This comes a day after Chinese and Russian forces completed coordinated drills encircling Japan and South Korea.
“We confirmed the strong resolve of Japan and the United States not to allow any unilateral change of the status quo by force, as well as the readiness of the Self-Defense Forces and the US military,” Japan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Two US B-52 bombers joined three Japanese F-35 stealth fighters and three F-15 jets in the operation on Wednesday.Live TV
ConflictsJapan
US bombers join Japanese jets to counter China-Russia drills
The show of force highlights growing regional tensions as China asserts its military presence.
The 6th Air Wing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-15 fighters hold a joint military drill with the U.S. B-52 bomber over Sea of Japan on December 10, 2025
Japan says US B-52 bombers flew with Japanese F-15s and F-35sImage: Defense Ministry of Japan/REUTERS
US nuclear-capable bombers joined Japanese fighter planes for a flight over the Sea of Japan, Tokyo said Thursday.
This comes a day after Chinese and Russian forces completed coordinated drills encircling Japan and South Korea.
“We confirmed the strong resolve of Japan and the United States not to allow any unilateral change of the status quo by force, as well as the readiness of the Self-Defense Forces and the US military,” Japan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Two US B-52 bombers joined three Japanese F-35 stealth fighters and three F-15 jets in the operation on Wednesday.
Chinese-Russian bomber flights patrol region
It was the first such display since China began military exercises in the region last week.
Japan scrambled jets late Tuesday to monitor Chinese and Russian fighters and bombers conducting joint patrols around the country.
“We consider it a grave concern from the standpoint of Japan’s security,” Japan’s Chief of Staff, Joint Staff General Hiroaki Uchikura said.
Beijing and Moscow described their drills as a routine exercise.
“The Japanese side has no need to make a fuss about nothing or to take this personally,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.
