This is the ninth joint strategic air patrol performed by China and Russia since the cooperation agreement established by the two countries in 2019, and possibly the first with China’s H-6N bomber.
China and Russia have carried out a new “joint strategic air patrol” on Nov. 29, 2024, over the Sea of Japan, which Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has defined as a “relevant airspace.” This patrol is the ninth since the two countries agreed to a new annual cooperation plan in 2019, and the second this year.
CCTV mentioned in the report that the goal of this latest air patrol was to test and enhance the joint training and operational capabilities of the two air forces. According to South Korea, the patrol involved five Chinese and six Russian aircraft, with a video released by China showing a Russian Tu-95 bomber, two Chinese H-6 bombers and J-16 fighters.
WATCH: A Chinese J-16 fighter jet escorted two Chinese H-6N bombers and a Russian Tu-95 bomber during the 9th China-Russia joint strategic air patrol over the Sea of Japan on Friday. (Video: CCTV) pic.twitter.com/awER4uS2Ks
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 29, 2024
The Republic of Korea Air Force scrambled its fighter jets after the joint air patrol entered the country’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ). The crossing was done without previous notice and the aircraft flew in the area for a total of four hours before leaving, according to Reuters.
The South Korean military said that the Russian aircraft entered the ADIZ from the northeast over the East Seam, while the Chinese aircraft entered the ADIZ off the country’s southern coast flying north. After the rejoin, the Russian and Chinese aircraft flew in formation south of Dokdo island.
The aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace, however South Korea has protested to both China and Russia for the lack of notice about the operations in the KADIZ (Korea ADIZ). The Japan Air Self Defense Force also scrambled its fighters, confirming the presence of two Chinese and two Russian bombers flying from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea.
11月29日(金)中国の爆撃機（H-6）2機が東シナ海から日本海に飛行した後に、ロシアの爆撃機（Tu-95）2機とともに日本海から東シナ海まで長距離にわたる共同飛行を実施しました。これらに対し #航空自衛隊 の戦闘機を #緊急発進 させ対応しました。#スクランブル pic.twitter.com/d1nIECBkR8
— 防衛省統合幕僚監部 (@jointstaffpa) November 29, 2024
As mentioned in previous articles here at The Aviationist, an ADIZ is a buffer airspace where any unidentified aircraft must be tracked and identified. Unlike national airspace, which is sovereign and extends 12 nautical miles beyond a country’s coast, ADIZs are not bound by international law but are critical for national security. Any aircraft entering without proper clearance is subject to interception.
H-6N involvement
According to Global Times, this patrol might have represented the first one for the Chinese H-6N bomber variant. The bomber, the latest evolutions of the type, is immediately recognizable in the video and photos due to the introduction of an air refueling probe and the bomb bay replaced by a semi-recessed with attachment points for air-launched ballistic missiles.
A J-16 fighter jet escorted an H-6N bomber and a Tu-95 bomber during the 9th China-Russia joint strategic air patrol in relevant airspace over the Sea of Japan on Friday, marking the first time the H-6N has made a patrol debut: PLA media China Bugle https://t.co/LFEEIYDFY2 pic.twitter.com/B10YwjBLrp
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 29, 2024
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The primary weapon of the H-6N, according to available info, should be the CH-AS-X-13, also known as DF-21D, the air launched version of the DF-21 “Carrier Killer” Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (AShBM), reportedly with a range of 1450 km (780 NM), Mach 6 speed (some sources state even Mach-10) and a 600 kg (about 1300 lb) payload.
The first reports about the existence of the DF-21D in 2010 sparked some concerns as Pentagon officials stated that, if the claims about the missile’s capabilities are true, the United States may not have a defense against it, as the maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) and the high speed could complicate the interception by air defense weapons. This led the U.S. Navy to potentiate the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System aboard ships in the Pacific Ocean while new advanced systems are developed.
The first reports about the H-6N being specifically designed as a ballistic missile launcher surfaced in 2017, with the bomber entering service in 2019. This variant of the bomber seems to be very secretive and is not spotted frequently. According to reports, the H-6Ns might be based at Neixiang Airfield in the Henan province and operated by the 106th Brigade.
Last joint patrol in July
Previous to this week’s patrol, China and Russia carried out another joint patrol on July 24, 2024, with the aircraft entering the Alaska ADIZ. In that occasion, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 and two Chinese H-6 aircraft, scrambling fighter jets from both the United States and Canada.
Similarly to the latest joint patrol, the two countries worked to enhance their joint capabilities by working out interaction issues throughout the flight. In that occasion, Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces provided fighter escort for the bombers.
Multiple fighters were sent to intercept and identify the joint air patrol. In fact, footage filmed from aboard a Russian Tu-95 Bear show that, at a certain point during their trip in international airspace within the Alaska ADIZ, the bomber was escorted by two F-16s of the 18th FIS (Fighter Interceptor Squadron), including one sporting the aggressor paint scheme; two U.S. F-35A stealth jets and two RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) CF-188 Hornets.
“During the execution of their missions, aircraft from both countries operated strictly in accordance with the provisions of international law. There were no violations of the airspace of foreign states,” the Russian MoD said at that time. “Upon completion of the joint air patrol, all involved aircraft returned to their home airfields. The event was held as part of the implementation of the military cooperation plan for 2024 and is not directed against third countries.”
While the first sentence might not be 100% true, as Russian aircraft often operate without filing a flight plan or communication with air traffic control agencies, they indeed did not violate sovereign airspace. In fact, according to NORAD, the Russian and PRC aircraft stayed within international airspace and did not breach American or Canadian sovereign airspace.
Air Defense Identification Zone
As explained in other articles, here at The Aviationist, there’s a significant difference between territorial sky and ADIZ.
The Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is a designated airspace surrounding a nation or part of it where strict identification, tracking, and control of aircraft are enforced for national security reasons. Aircraft flying within these zones without proper authorization may be intercepted by fighter aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).
ADIZ boundaries often extend beyond national airspace covering territorial waters, and while not defined by international law, any civil aircraft entering these zones is closely monitored and required to provide flight details for identification. Military aircraft not intending to enter national airspace are generally exempt from ADIZ procedures, but foreign military planes within ADIZ may be intercepted, identified, and escorted.
