Tensions escalate in the skies as Japanese F-15 and F-35 fighter jets fire flares at a Russian II-38 aircraft for the first time, signaling a strong protest amid growing military cooperation between Russia and China.
Japan slams Russia aerial intrusion after a Russian patrol plane entered its airspace three times, according to Defence Minister Minoru Kihara.
“We confirmed today that a Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft violated our airspace over our waters north of Rebun Island, Hokkaido, on three occasions,” Kihara said. He has asked the Russian government to stop this from happening again. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan would not share details about Russia’s intentions but mentioned that the Russian military has been active near Japan since the invasion of Ukraine. Japan has supported Ukraine, providing aid and sanctioning Russian people and organizations since the invasion.
Discover the latest developments in airspace violations and Japan’s proactive defense strategies as the region’s geopolitical landscape shifts.
Japan has disputes with Russia over the four Kuril Islands and with China and Taiwan over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. In August, Japan sent fighter jets after a Chinese military plane entered its airspace, calling it a serious violation.
Japan slams Russia aerial intrusion after the Russian patrol plane entered its airspace three times, marking the first confirmed violation since 2019. Tokyo responded by sending fighter jets and issuing warnings, according to Defence Minister Kihara. He called the airspace violation very regrettable and urged Russia to prevent it from happening again.
In response to escalating tensions, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urges officials to act “firmly and calmly” amid heightened military activity near Japan.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi highlights the ongoing threat from Russian forces and underscores Japan’s measured approach to airspace violations
Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi also mentioned that they would not provide details on Russia’s actions but noted that the Russian military has been active near Japan since the invasion of Ukraine. Japan sent fighter jets earlier this month when Russian planes flew near the country for the first time since 2019. These planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over a disputed area.
Recently, Russian and Chinese warships held joint drills in the Sea of Japan, part of a major naval exercise. Last month, a Chinese aircraft carrier passed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, which Japan called unacceptable for its security and the region’s security. Putin called it the largest of its kind in 30 years China said this passage followed international law.
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