A Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) fighter jet intercepted and photographed China’s new electronic intelligence aircraft, the Y-9DZ.
According to the JASDF report, the Chinese aircraft on the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission was intercepted on June 8.
“On the morning of June 8, 2023, a Chinese Y-9 electronic intelligence aircraft was seen flying over the Pacific Ocean,” said a statement.
This is the first time Japanese authorities have reported an interception of the Y-9DZ, one of the most advanced spy planes in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

According to a map released by the JASDF, the observation aircraft was sighted approximately 225 kilometres south of the Yaeyama Islands.