Japan Reports Increased UAV Interceptions Despite Fewer Scrambles in FY 2022

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) conducted 778 scrambles in FY 2022, according to data released by the Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) on 18 April.

Rising Chinese and Russian Air Activity Around Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has reported a notable rise in interceptions of Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during fiscal year (FY) 2022, even as the overall number of fighter scrambles by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) declined.

According to MoD data released on 18 April, the JASDF conducted 778 scrambles in FY 2022, a 22.5% decrease compared to the 1,004 scrambles in FY 2021. Despite this reduction, Japanese fighters intercepted a greater number of aircraft classified as “anomalous.”

Increase in “Anomalous” Aircraft

• In FY 2022, JASDF intercepted 384 anomalous aircraft, including carrier-based fighters, strategic bombers, and electronic warfare or intelligence aircraft.
• In FY 2021, despite more scrambles, only 90–120 anomalous aircraft were intercepted.
• Many scrambles in FY 2022 were triggered by Chinese and Russian intelligence-gathering flights.

PLA Activity in the Region

The MoD highlighted successive People’s Liberation Army (PLA) flight operations between Okinawa Main Island and Miyako-jima in May 2022 and January 2023 as a key factor behind the increase.

Among the aircraft involved were Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) J-15 carrier-borne fighters operating from China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning.

Strategic Implications

The data underscores Japan’s growing concern over intensified Chinese and Russian aerial activity in its vicinity, particularly the expanding role of UAVs and intelligence platforms in regional security dynamics.

Source: XAirForces News, 25 April 2023

Photo: Based on data from the Japan MoD, this graphic shows Chinese and Russian air activity around Japan from April 2022 to April 2023. Tokyo said that most of its aircraft scrambles were prompted by Chinese and Russian electronic intelligence aircraft. (Photo by Japan Ministry of Defense/Japan Coast Guard/Janes)

Editor: Naomi A.J. Takahashi (Oceanian ©XAirForces News Editor from Japan)

Keywords: Japan, Japan Ministry of Defense, MoD, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, JASDF, air interceptions, fighter scrambles, fiscal year 2022, FY 2022, fiscal year 2021, FY 2021, anomalous aircraft, Chinese UAVs, unmanned aerial vehicles, Russian aircraft, electronic intelligence aircraft, intelligence gathering, Okinawa Main Island, Miyako-jima, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, SAC, J-15, carrier-borne fighter, Liaoning aircraft carrier, strategic bombers, electronic warfare aircraft, regional security, air activity, interceptions data.

Japan Reports Increased UAV Interceptions Despite Fewer Scrambles in FY 2022




(25.04.2023)