Official statements from Japan's Defense Ministry or major news outlets

Japan Scrambles Jets After Russian Aircraft Violates Hokkaido Airspace Three Times

Sep 23, 2024, 01:07 PM

Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara confirmed that a Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft violated Japanese airspace over Rebun Island, Hokkaido, three times on Monday. The incursions lasted for 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 1 minute respectively. In response, Japan scrambled fighter jets, including F-15 and F-35 models, and issued radio warnings. For the first time, Japan's Self-Defense Force deployed flares as a warning measure. Japan has lodged serious protests with Moscow regarding these violations, marking the first confirmed airspace incursion by Russia since 2019.