Tension in the sky! Russian aircraft challenge Japan with three consecutive violations. Images: www.mod.go.jp
A Russian Navy anti-submarine aircraft Il-38 violated Japanese airspace three times, according to a report from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
The incident occurred north of Rebun Island, in the province of Hokkaido, at different times of the day. The first violation of Japanese airspace occurred between 1:03 p.m. and 1:04 p.m., followed by a second at 3:31 p.m., and a third between 3:42 p.m. and 3:43 p.m.
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In response, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) took immediate action, dispatching F-15 and F-35 fighters from the Northern Air District and issuing warning messages to the Russian aircraft.
During the third incursion, the ASDF used flares for the first time, devices that emit heat and light as a warning.
Analysts noted that the images of the Il-38 released by Japan indicate that the Russian aircraft was conducting anti-submarine warfare operations. “The Il-38 was patrolling and dropping sonobuoys, possibly detecting a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) submarine,” commented an analyst, suggesting the situation may be more complex than it initially appears.
Source and images: www.mod.go.jp. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
