Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara complained about a Russian Il-38 aircraft that allegedly “violated Japanese airspace.” Japanese fighters then took “necessary measures,” the ministry said.
A press release from the Japanese Defense Ministry stated that the Il-38 patrol aircraft was spotted over waters north of Rebun Island in the Hokkaido region.
The South China Morning Post quoted Japanese Defence Minister Kihara as saying Tokyo had lodged a “very serious protest” over the incident, which allegedly involved Japanese fighter jets firing flares during their flight.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has repeatedly emphasized that aircraft operate in accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters.
In July, two Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers carried out a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan. Also, aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Chinese Air Force conducted a five-hour joint air patrol in the Alaska region.
