Japan slams Russia for triple aerial intrusionーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Summary

Japanese fighter pilots fired flares for the first time to protect their airspace after a Russian military aircraft violated it three times near Rebun Island, Hokkaido. The incident, deemed 'extremely regrettable,' prompted stern diplomatic protests. Amid rising strategic cooperation between Russia and China, with increased military activities near Japanese waters, Defense Minister Kihara Mino labeled the airspace intrusion a provocation, following two Chinese violations last month.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) fighter pilots fired flares for the first time to protect their country's airspace on Monday.
• 🇷🇺 The incident involved a Russian military aircraft that violated Japanese airspace three times within hours.
• ✈️ The Russian aircraft was identified as an Ilyushin I38 patrol aircraft that intruded into airspace north of Rebun Island in Hokkaido.
• 💡 The flares fired by the ASDF jets serve both as a warning and to disrupt missile tracking systems.
• 🤔 A former Japanese fighter pilot questions the unusual behavior of the Russian plane, given the repeated airspace violations despite warnings.
• 🚢 Increased military activity is noted around Japan with Russian and Chinese vessels, including nine spotted near Rebun Island.
• 🔄 The incidents are part of a pattern of rising strategic cooperation between China and Russia, including joint drills and coordinated navigations.
• 🏢 Japan's Defense Minister, Kihara Mino, labeled Russia's airspace violation as a provocation, following two similar intrusions by China last month.
• ⚠️ The Japanese government has lodged a stern protest and urged Moscow to prevent a recurrence through diplomatic channels.
• 🛡 Japan is prepared to take strict measures against any violations of its airspace, indicating a strong stance on national security.

Q & A

What action did Japan's air self-defense Force take in response to the Russian military aircraft?

Japan's air self-defense Force (ASDF) fighter pilots fired flares after a Russian Ilyushin Il-38 patrol aircraft intruded into Japanese airspace three times.

How many times did the Russian aircraft violate Japanese airspace?

The Russian aircraft violated Japanese airspace three times in a matter of hours.

What was the response of the Japanese government to the airspace violation?

The Japanese government lodged a stern protest through diplomatic channels and urged Moscow to prevent a recurrence.

What is the purpose of the flares fired by the ASDF fighter jets?

The flares can make it difficult for missiles to track their targets and can also be used as a warning.

What does the defense ministry say about the Russian aircraft's movements?

The defense ministry stated that the Russian aircraft's movements were unusual and extremely regrettable.

What is the significance of the flares being fired by the ASDF for the first time?

The firing of flares by the ASDF is significant as it represents an unprecedented action taken to protect Japan's airspace.

What is the role of patrol planes like the Russian Ilyushin Il-38?

Patrol planes are used to search for and monitor vessels and submarines.

Why is it considered unusual for a Russian aircraft to violate Japan's airspace despite notifications and warnings?

It is unusual because typically, aircraft respect a country's airspace after being notified and warned.

How many Russian and Chinese vessels were spotted near Japan on Sunday and Monday?

Nine vessels were spotted in the Soya Strait near Rebun Island.

What does the increase in incidents involving Russian and Chinese vessels indicate?

The increase in incidents indicates a rise in military activities and strategic cooperation between Russia and China.

What measures did the defense minister, Kiharu Mino, say Japan would take against airspace violations?

Defense Minister Kiharu Mino stated that Japan would take strict measures against airspace violations without hesitation, using a range of options suitable for the situation.