South Korea Confirms Chinese And Russian Military Aircraft Enter Air Defence Zone
Foreign aircraft enter South Korea air defence identification zone.
South Korea’s military said it scrambled fighter jets on Saturday after more than 10 Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ), prompting a precautionary response from Seoul’s air force. The aircraft later exited the zone without violating South Korean territorial airspace, according to officials.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul stated that the combined Chinese and Russian formation entered the KADIZ over the East Sea and the South Sea before leaving the area. The military did not immediately provide additional operational details, but confirmed that the aircraft movement was closely monitored throughout the incident.
According to the JCS, South Korean forces detected the aircraft before they crossed into the identification zone. In response, the Air Force deployed fighter jets as a preventive measure to prepare for any possible escalation or unexpected manoeuvres. Officials emphasised that the response was precautionary in nature.
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The KADIZ is not classified as sovereign airspace but functions as a buffer zone where foreign aircraft are expected to identify themselves for security coordination. While entry into the zone does not constitute a legal violation, it is typically accompanied by prior notification to avoid military tension and misidentification risks.
Authorities noted that although notification is generally expected before entering an air defence identification zone, it is not legally required under international law. South Korean officials reiterated that the recent activity did not amount to an airspace violation, as the aircraft did not cross into territorial boundaries.
No immediate comment was issued by China or Russia regarding the incident. The episode follows a similar occurrence in December 2025, when nine Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered the KADIZ, prompting protests from Seoul’s defence ministry and strong concern from Japan over regional security. China and Russia previously described such flights as part of joint patrol operations over the East Sea and western Pacific.
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