Japan’s defence ministry in Tokyo announced that fighter jets used flares for the first time to warn a Russian reconnaissance aircraft to leave its airspace, as tensions rise over increased military cooperation between Russia and China in the region. The incident occurred when F-15 and F-35 warplanes fired flares after the Russian II-38 aircraft ignored radio warnings. This was the first publicly announced airspace violation by a Russian aircraft since 2019.
Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara described the airspace violation above Rebun Island near Hokkaido as “extremely regrettable” and lodged a protest with the Russian government. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to respond firmly and calmly to the incident and work with the US and other nations. The use of flares as a response to airspace violations was deemed legitimate by Kihara.
The incursion came after a joint fleet of Chinese and Russian warships sailed around the Japanese northern coast, possibly related to a joint military exercise. Japanese defence officials are concerned about the growing military cooperation between China and Russia, as well as China’s assertive activity around Japanese waters and airspace. Japan has reinforced defences in southwest Japan, including remote islands crucial to its defense strategy.
Relations between Japan and Russia are further strained due to a territorial dispute over the Northern Territories. Tensions have also increased over Japan’s support for Ukraine, including offering financial aid and imposing sanctions on Russian entities. In response to the airspace violation, Japan’s air self-defence force has scrambled jets numerous times against Chinese military aircraft.
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