Russian jets briefly breach South Korea's air defense zone near Dokdo

The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that Russian military aircraft briefly entered South Korea's air defense identification zone (KADIZ) over the eastern waters near the disputed Dokdo islets and Ulleung Island on Tuesday afternoon. Korean radar picked up the planes before they crossed the zone, and the armed forces dispatched fighter jets to stand ready for any contingency. The aircraft withdrew without violating South Korea's territorial airspace.

The KADIZ is a non-territorial buffer intended to require foreign aircraft to identify themselves and avoid accidental clashes. This incident mirrors a series of similar incursions by roughly ten Chinese and Russian planes in late June, which prompted Seoul to lodge a strong protest with both nations. No further escalation was reported.