Chinese J-15s lock radar on Japanese F-15s; Japan PM vows response as fighter jets of the two countries face off

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed a calm and resolute response after Chinese J-15 fighter jets from the Liaoning carrier allegedly locked fire-control radar onto Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15 aircraft twice over international waters southeast of Okinawa's main island on December 6, 2025.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Takaichi pledged all possible measures to bolster maritime and airspace surveillance while closely tracking Chinese military activities, amid escalating bilateral tensions.

Tokyo also summoned China's ambassador on Sunday to lodge a formal protest, demanding steps to prevent recurrence of what Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi deemed “dangerous and extremely regrettable”.

Tense aerial encounter

The incidents unfolded during routine Chinese naval exercises involving the Liaoning aircraft carrier and three missile destroyers navigating between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island.

The first radar lock-on occurred from 4:32 pm to 4:35 pm, lasting about three minutes, followed by intermittent targeting spanning 30 minutes from 6:37 pm to 7:08 pm, as detected by multiple scrambled Japanese F-15s monitoring for potential airspace violations.

These fire-control radar engagements, which signal intent to guide missiles toward a target, forced evasive actions without reported damage or injuries.

Japan's Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese envoy to express strong displeasure, underscoring the acts as exceeding safe aviation norms in the East China Sea.

Takaichi's statements reflect Tokyo's determination to counter perceived aggressions, especially near strategic US-allied bases on Okinawa, amid fraying ties exacerbated by her prior comments on potential intervention in a Taiwan crisis.

Beijing dismissed the allegations as "inconsistent with facts," accusing Japanese forces of harassing its lawful drills in open waters.

This episode fits a pattern of Sino-Japanese aerial frictions, including frequent People's Liberation Army Air Force incursions into Japan's air defense identification zone, prompting repeated scrambles.

FAQs

What makes radar lock-ons particularly provocative?
Fire-control radar designates a target for missile lock, representing one of the most aggressive non-shooting maneuvers in air encounters, often requiring immediate evasion to de-escalate.

What's China's stance on the summoning?
Beijing rejects Japan's narrative, framing the protest as baseless interference with scheduled carrier group training in international airspace.