Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Frontline operational actor shadowing Chinese forces and at risk in close encounters

In early December 2025, China's Liaoning carrier strike group sailed through waters near Japan's southwest island chain and into the western Pacific. Over two days, between Okinawa's main island and Minamidaito and then east of Kikai Island, it conducted roughly 100 take-offs and landings of J-15 fighters and helicopters.

Updated May 10