Russia, China Fly Joint Bomber Missions Near Japan, South Korea

Russia and China conducted joint bomber patrol flights on Saturday for the first time this year, prompting Japan and South Korea to scramble fighter aircraft. Two Chinese H-6 bombers flew from the East China Sea into the Sea of Japan where they were joined by two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Russian Tu-142 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office. The Russian and Chinese aircraft then conducted a joint flight back to the East China Sea. Two Chinese J-16 fighters and one Russian Su-35 fighter also flew with the bombers during parts of the flight. The nine aircraft