Air defense identification zones

Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) require foreign aircraft to identify themselves to local authorities and remain in contact with air traffic control within this area. ADIZs, which have been in practice since the 1950s and lost their effectiveness for a while, were revived after the twin tower attacks in the US. Moreover, after November 23, 2013, when China announced the establishment of an ADIZ in the waters off its eastern coast, the implementation of ADIZs became a subject of debate in international law. According to currently available statistics, there are approximately 27 states with ADIZs. Some of these states have established ADIZs in national airspace, some in both national and international airspace adjacent to their coasts, and some only in international airspace adjacent to their coasts. These states set out the rules to be followed by aircraft in ADIZs and notify in advance the measures to be taken in case of non-compliance with these rules. There are no international law norms directly regulating ADIZs. Therefore, the ADIZ has an uncertain legal basis in international law. This thesis will examine whether there is a legal basis for establishing and administering ADIZs among the sources of international law. In this framework, this study argues that ADIZs do not have a clear legal basis and that ADIZs can be used to serve unlawful purposes such as expanding the sovereignty of states. Furthermore, this thesis emphasizes the need to establish a legal basis in order to prevent ADIZ implementation from contravening international law.