Japan’s Defence Ministry says that on December 6, 2025, two separate “dangerous” incidents occurred in which jets from China’s navy allegedly locked fire-control radar onto Japanese F-15 fighter aircraft over international waters southeast of Okinawa. The planes are believed to have been J-15 aircraft launched from China’s carrier Liaoning.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the radar illumination as “extremely regrettable,” saying it exceeded anything required for safe-flight operations and demanded that Beijing take steps to prevent recurrence. Tokyo lodged a formal protest with Beijing shortly after the incidents.
From China’s side, a navy spokesperson rejected the allegations — claiming that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted a scheduled Chinese naval training exercise in the area, putting Chinese operations and flight safety at risk. The statement called Japan’s complaints inconsistent with the facts and accused Tokyo of mischaracterizing the events.
Although no damage or injuries have been reported, the incidents mark the first public instance of Chinese jets locking fire-control radar on Japanese military aircraft. The use of such radar is widely regarded as a prelude to potential weapon deployment, which makes the manoeuvre particularly serious in military aviation protocol.
With tensions already high — including recent diplomatic strain over remarks by Japan’s prime minister on Taiwan — analysts warn the radar incidents risk further degrading regional security. Allies such as Australia have urged restraint, calling for de-escalation and careful management of air-sea encounters.
