Japan’s Self Defense Force (SDF) deployed fighter jets and fired flares at a Russian military aircraft that violated its airspace.
This marks the first time Japan has used flares in response to an airspace breach, according to a Japanese spokesperson.
The Russian patrol plane ignored several radio warnings before intruding for the third time, prompting Japan’s unprecedented use of flares.
Plane Belonged To Russia-China Drills
Japan’s Defense Minister suggested that the incident is linked to joint military exercises between Russia and China, as previously announced.
The breach follows increasing military activity in the region, including Chinese military planes violating Japanese airspace.
Military cooperation between Russia and China has increased significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
China Responsible For 70% Incursions
Japan’s air self-defense force said it had scrambled fighter jets 669 times between April 2023 and March 2024.
The SDF said the Chinese military was responsible for more than 70% of incursions into its territory, according to the Guardian.
