Chinese and Russian jets prompt South Korean fighter scramble
On Friday, Chinese and Russian military aircraft intruded into South Korea's air defense identification zone, prompting Seoul to scramble fighter jets.
Early Friday morning, five Chinese and six Russian military aircraft entered South Korea's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) without prior notice. The South Korean Air Force scrambled fighter jets in response to this violation.
The incident took place over the Sea of Japan and waters off South Korea's southern coast. Chinese and Russian air forces were conducting joint exercises there on Friday.
Foreign aircraft in South Korea's airspace
According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the aircraft entered the ADIZ within four hours, starting at 7:35 PM Eastern Time. China had previously informed about a joint air patrol with Russia in the region.
As reported by the Polish Press Agency, although the foreign military aircraft entered the air identification zone, they did not violate South Korea's airspace in accordance with international law.
The ADIZ is an area in which the military identifies and controls aircraft in the interest of national security. Aircraft approaching this zone must report their intent to enter in advance.
International law does not recognize these zones; however, they operate in many countries, including China, Japan, and the USA.
