US B-52s join Japan drills after China-Russia patrol in Pacific pressure cooker

• US B-52 bombers conducted joint sky drills with Japanese F-35 and F-15 jets over waters between Japan and South Korea.
• The US-Japan exercise followed a China-Russia bomber patrol and alleged Chinese radar-locking incidents near Japan's airspace.
• Japan's Joint Staff stated the drill underscored readiness due to a "severer" security environment surrounding the country.
• The recent incidents highlight escalating tensions and signalling moves by China and Russia in Japan's near-airspace.
• The US demonstrated its "unwavering" commitment to Japan and regional deterrence by deploying nuclear-capable B-52s.

Why It Matters: US B-52s joining Japan drills underscores escalating Pacific military tensions.