Official announcements from Japan's Defense Ministry, major news outlets

Japan Scrambles Jets, Fires Flares After Russian Aircraft Violates Airspace Three Times

Sep 23, 2024, 02:24 PM

Japan's Defense Ministry reported that a Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft violated Japanese airspace over Hokkaido's Rebun Island on three separate occasions on September 23. The incursions lasted for 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 1 minute respectively. In response, Japan's Self-Defense Force scrambled F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, which issued radio warnings and deployed flares to warn off the intruding aircraft. This marked the first time Japan has used flares in response to an airspace violation since 2019. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara confirmed the violations and stated that Japan has lodged a serious protest with Moscow. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the airspace breaches, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.