Breaking News
Emergency Deployment of Japanese F-15J Fighter Jets Against a Chinese GJ-2 Drone Off Coast of Okinawa.
On February 26, 2025, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces detected a Chinese GJ-2 reconnaissance and attack drone operating near Okinawa. This unprecedented event led to the immediate deployment of Japanese fighter jets. The incursion occurred amid rising tensions in the East China Sea, where China’s military activities have been increasing, raising concerns about Beijing’s strategic objectives in the region.
The Wing Loong II is an upgraded version of the Wing Loong I, offering improved payload capacity, endurance, and operational versatility (Picture source: Japan's Joint Staff)
Japan identified the entry of a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone into its expanded airspace, along with a Chengdu GJ-2, also known as the Wing Loong 2, for the first time. These aircraft, originating from the East China Sea, passed through the airspace between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island before entering the Pacific Ocean. They continued south of Okinawa, flying near the Amami Oshima Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, before reversing course and returning to the East China Sea via the same route. In response to this activity, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force promptly scrambled fighter jets from the Southwestern Air Defense Command to intercept and monitor the drones. This command operates the 9th Air Wing, which fields Mitsubishi F-15J fighters, a Japanese variant of the F-15 Eagle, optimized for the country's air defense missions.
The presence of the GJ-2 near Japan represents a significant development. This Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) drone is designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions, enhancing China's ability to project power in contested areas. While the GJ-2 has previously been observed over the Taiwan Strait, its operation near Okinawa indicates an expansion of China’s unmanned aerial operations in the region. The increasing use of drones by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reflects a broader strategy to leverage these systems for advanced surveillance, targeting, and potentially precision strikes while reducing risks to human pilots.
The Wing Loong II, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is an upgraded version of the Wing Loong I, offering improved payload capacity, endurance, and operational versatility. First unveiled at the 2015 Aviation Expo China, it was designed to meet the growing requirements of the Chinese military and international buyers. Measuring 11 meters in length with a 20.5-meter wingspan and a maximum speed of 370 km/h, it is powered by a turbocharged engine driving a three-bladed propeller. With an endurance of 32 hours and an operational range of 1,500 km, it is well-suited for extended surveillance missions in strategic areas.
Equipped with satellite communications and an electro-optical sensor suite that includes daylight and infrared cameras, the Wing Loong II can operate in both day and night conditions across various environments. It has a payload capacity of 400 kg, spread across six hardpoints, enabling it to carry guided bombs such as the FT-9/50, air-to-ground missiles like the TL-10, and GB3 250 kg bombs. Compared to its predecessor, which had a limited payload of 100 kg over two hardpoints, this expanded capability positions the Wing Loong II as a more advanced armed drone. Remotely piloted from a mobile ground control station, it provides real-time secure data transmission for operational flexibility.
Primarily developed for export, the Wing Loong II has been acquired by several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Serbia. It is marketed as a cost-effective alternative to Western drones such as the U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper, with an estimated unit price between $1 million and $2 million, compared to approximately $30 million for a Reaper. This affordability and versatility make it an attractive option for militaries seeking to enhance their strike and surveillance capabilities. The drone has been used in various conflicts, including Libya, where it conducted airstrikes under Emirati control in 2020. It has also been deployed for non-military missions, such as disaster response during the 2021 Henan floods, where a modified Wing Loong II variant carried out reconnaissance and communication relay operations.
The presence of the GJ-2 near Japan aligns with broader regional tensions in the East China Sea. This area, particularly around the Senkaku Islands—administered by Japan but claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands—has seen frequent incursions by Chinese military aircraft. Just two days before the GJ-2 incident, Japan detected two Chinese Y-9 military aircraft flying a similar route between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Y-9, a multi-role aircraft used for intelligence gathering and maritime patrol, is regularly involved in such operations, prompting Japan to deploy fighters in response.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has raised concerns about China's increasing military presence and its potential impact on regional stability. Although the Chinese drones did not violate Japan’s sovereign airspace, their proximity is seen as a show of force and a possible attempt to test Japan’s air defense response. A spokesperson for Japan’s Joint Staff confirmed that the country is maintaining constant airspace surveillance and will take all necessary measures to ensure security.
This Chinese drone incursion coincides with the U.S.-Japan joint military exercise "Iron Fist," which runs until March 7 and involves maneuvers across multiple locations, including Okinawa. During this exercise, the simultaneous presence of the GJ-2 and BZK-005 near Japanese islands raises questions about potential surveillance activities or strategic messaging from Beijing. The PLA has previously escalated operations in response to military exercises conducted by the U.S. and its allies, highlighting an ongoing competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The growing integration of drones into China's military strategy presents a challenge for Japan and its partners, who must adapt their defense capabilities to counter these evolving threats. The potential use of armed drones near Japan’s territory raises considerations about strengthening detection, interception, and counter-drone measures. As China continues to expand its military presence in the region, Japan and its allies remain vigilant, closely monitoring any developments that could alter the strategic balance in the East China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific.