Japan Reacts as Russian Patrol Aircraft Enters Its Airspace Three Times
TOKYO: Japan has lodged a stern protest with Russia following the incursion of a Russian patrol aircraft into its airspace on three separate occasions, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara announced on Monday (Sep 23). This marked the first verified airspace breach by Russian forces since 2019.
In response, Japan scrambled fighter jets and issued warnings via radio and flares, Kihara told reporters. The incident involved a Russian Il-38 patrol plane, which entered Japan’s airspace over the northern waters of Rebun Island, Hokkaido.
Kihara condemned the violation, labeling it “extremely regrettable” and confirmed that Japan has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Russia. “We strongly urge the Russian government to take measures to prevent any further violations,” he said.
Japan has been a staunch ally of the West regarding the conflict in Ukraine, providing financial and material support to Kyiv, while imposing sanctions on Russian entities and individuals.
This latest incident is the first confirmed Russian airspace violation since June 2019, when a Tu-95 bomber intruded into Japanese airspace over Okinawa and the Izu Islands. Although an aircraft believed to be Russian entered Japan’s airspace in 2023, it was never confirmed.
Top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi commented on the incident, saying, “While we cannot definitively determine the intent of this action, Russian military activity near Japan has increased since the invasion of Ukraine.”
Earlier this month, Japan scrambled jets when Russian planes flew near the archipelago, though they did not enter Japanese airspace. The aircraft flew over a region disputed between Japan and Russia.
Tensions have also been rising due to joint Russian and Chinese naval drills in the Sea of Japan, with President Vladimir Putin describing them as the most extensive military exercises in 30 years.
Recently, Japan faced its first confirmed airspace violation by a Chinese military aircraft in August, and last week, a Chinese aircraft carrier passed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan, further heightening regional security concerns.
