Seoul, South Korea – Multiple Russian military aircraft entered South Korea’s Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) on Wednesday, March 20th, prompting a swift response from the South Korean military and a formal protest lodged with the Russian defense attaché in Seoul, according to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.
This incident marks the second time in less than a week that Russian military aircraft have entered the KADIZ, raising concerns in Seoul about potential airspace violations and the need for heightened vigilance.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the Russian aircraft entered the KADIZ at various points throughout the morning. The South Korean military detected the approaching aircraft prior to their entry and scrambled fighter jets to implement tactical measures, aimed at preventing any unforeseen circumstances.
This incident follows a similar event on March 15th, when multiple Russian military aircraft entered the KADIZ over the East Sea (Sea of Japan). At that time, Russia responded to South Korean inquiries, stating that the aircraft were conducting training exercises and had no intention of violating South Korean airspace.
However, the lack of immediate response from Russia on Wednesday, coupled with the close proximity of the aircraft to South Korean territory and the repeat occurrence within a short timeframe, led to the Ministry of National Defense summoning the Russian defense attaché to lodge a formal protest.
Notably, on Wednesday the Russian aircraft flew near Ulleung Island, approaching within 20 kilometers of South Korean territorial airspace.
The KADIZ is an area where foreign aircraft are required to identify themselves to South Korean authorities. While not considered sovereign airspace, it is a zone where South Korea monitors air traffic for national security purposes. Repeated entries into the KADIZ by foreign military aircraft, particularly without prior notification, can be interpreted as a show of force and can escalate tensions in the region.
The South Korean government has yet to release further details regarding the types of aircraft involved or the specific flight paths taken within the KADIZ. Further analysis is expected as South Korea assesses the implications of this latest incident and considers its response.
This incident underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of Northeast Asia, where competing interests and military activities require constant vigilance and diplomatic engagement to prevent misunderstandings and potential escalations.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2025, March 20). 俄多架军机时隔五天再进入韩国防识区遭抗议 [Multiple Russian military aircraft enter South Korea’s air defense identification zone again after five days, prompting protest]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here if available, otherwise indicate Source: Yonhap News Agency]
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