«Данное сообщение (материал) создано и (или) распространено иностранным средством массовой информации, выполняющим функции иностранного агента, и (или) российским юридическим лицом, выполняющим функции иностранного агента»
Topic: Air Warfare Blog Brand: The Buzz Region: Asia Tags: Aircraft, F-15 Eagle, F-35 Lightning II, Fighter Jets, Indo-Pacific, Japan, Tupolev Tu-95, United States, US Air Force, and Xi’an H-6 B-52 Bombers Join Japan Jets Amid Rising China Tensions December 12, 2025 By: Peter Suciu
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The United States Air Force did not announce the deployment of two B-52s to Japan, and it is unclear where the aircraft originated from.
This week, two United States Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress long-range bombers were escorted by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J Eagle and F-35A Lightning II fighter jets during a patrol flight over the Sea of Japan. The sortie was part of an ongoing series of tactical exercises designed to promote regional deterrence and improve joint operations between the United States and Japan.
“The JSDF & the US Armed Forces conducted a bilateral exercise over the Sea of Japan, demonstrating our readiness and response capabilities,” Pacific Air Forces wrote in a social media post. “Training together reaffirms our commitment to the US-Japan Alliance & strengthens deterrence.”
The patrol was also in response to a series of Chinese provocations against Japan, following comments made by Japanese prime minister Sanae Tacichki last month. The newly elected leader of Japan warned that any attempt by Beijing to take control of the self-ruling island of Taiwan would be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan.
Taiwan expressed gratitude for her support, but Beijing strongly condemned her comments, as it sees the self-governing island as a breakaway province that will be returned to mainland control by force if necessary.
Sino-Russian Air Patrols Continue
The B-52 mission also came just a day after a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 (NATO reporting “Bear”) conducted a patrol flight with two Chinese Xi’an H-6 bombers through the Strategic Miyako Strait, between the Japanese islands of Miyako and Okinawa.
Since late 2022, Beijing and Moscow have conducted multiple bomber patrol flights.
The Tu-95 is among the oldest aircraft designs in service with the Russian military and the only propeller-powered bomber in operation worldwide. Yet, like the US Air Force’s B-52, it has been steadily upgraded and remains a capable aircraft.
The Chinese Xi’an H-6 is a licensed version of the Soviet-designed Tupolev Tu-16 (NATO reporting name “Badger”). Approximately 260 dual-conventional-and-nuclear-threat aircraft have been produced since 1959, with at least 200 still in service.
In July 2024, Russian Tu-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers conducted a joint patrol near the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.
During part of this week’s patrol through the Miyoka Strait, the strategic bombers were also escorted by Chinese Shenyang J-36 fighter aircraft, along with Russian Briev A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft and Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO reporting name Flanker-C) fighters.
The bomber mission followed an incident in which Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighters operating from the People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 001 aircraft carrier, CNS Liaoning, near Okinawa, locked onto JASDF F-15Js with their fire-control radars. That prompted a formal protest from Tokyo.
US-Japan Confirm Strong Ties in Aerial Sorties
The United States Air Force did not announce the deployment of two B-52s to Japan, and it is unclear whether the aircraft were sent to the Indo-Pacific as part of a Bomber Task Force mission or from which base in the region.
According to a report from Air & Space Forces magazine, the B-52s were from the 2nd Bomb Wing, out of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The wing’s “LA” tail fish could be spotted on the bombers.
Few other details have been confirmed about the deployment.
“JSDF and the US Armed Forces conducted a bilateral exercise amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan. This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong will between Japan and US not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” the Japan Joint Staff said in a post on social media, sharing the same images as the Pacific Air Forces.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.
Image: Shutterstock.com / CSWFoto
The post B-52 Bombers Join Japan Jets Amid Rising China Tensions appeared first on The National Interest.
Источник: nationalinterest.org