Japan Protests Russian Airspace Incursions

TOKYO, (TDI): Japan has lodged a “very serious protest” with Moscow following three incursions by a Russian patrol plane into its airspace, marking the first confirmed violation since 2019, according to Defense Minister Minoru Kihara.

The Japanese military responded by scrambling fighter jets and issuing radio and flare warnings. Kihara stated, “We confirmed today that a Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft violated our airspace over our territorial waters north of Rebun Island, Hokkaido, on three occasions.”

Describing the incident as “extremely regrettable,” Kihara emphasized Japan’s diplomatic protest to the Russian government, urging them to prevent future violations.

Read More: Japan to Elect New PM on October 1

Japan has aligned itself with Western nations on the Ukraine situation, providing financial and material support to Kyiv while imposing sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations in response to the invasion.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to respond “firmly and calmly” to the incursion and to collaborate closely with the United States and other allies, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.

He reiterated the government’s strong condemnation of the airspace violation and called on Russia to prevent similar incidents.

Read More: China-Russia Drill: Phase Two Begins

Signal flares, used as warnings against intruders, are designed to disrupt enemy infrared homing missiles.

Relations between Japan and Russia have significantly deteriorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Tokyo implementing economic sanctions in alignment with actions taken by Washington and other allied governments.