Russian and Chinese Military Aircraft Enter South Korea’s Air Defense Zone
The South Korean military reported on Tuesday that seven Russian military aircraft and two Chinese warplanes flew into its Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) without prior notification. In response, South Korea’s air force scrambled several fighter jets for surveillance and readiness.
In a statement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the aircraft entered the zone around 10 a.m. local time. The KADIZ is an area designated by a country to monitor potential aerial threats near its airspace.
Although none of the Russian or Chinese planes breached South Korea’s official airspace, their unannounced entry into the KADIZ raised concerns among Seoul’s military officials. Authorities in South Korea warned that such maneuvers could heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Defense experts note that the simultaneous presence of Chinese and Russian military aircraft may carry a deliberate political message aimed at Washington’s regional allies, including South Korea and Japan. Seoul has affirmed that it remains ready to respond swiftly to any suspicious flights.
