Japan is warning of growing security pressure as China and Russia rapidly expand military operations near its borders. Tokyo fears its ageing fighter fleet may struggle to match Beijing’s fast-paced modernization, while delays in upgrades and limited missile reserves add to concerns. Rising Russian bomber patrols and China’s advanced J-15B fighters are intensifying fears of a larger Pacific military showdown.

Japan is warning of growing security pressure as China and Russia rapidly expand military operations near its borders. Tokyo fears its ageing fighter fleet may struggle to match…

Japan scrambled its fighter jets 448 times in nine months last year. Most of the intercepts involved Russian or Chinese aircraft.