Russian Il-38 reconnaissance plane violated Japanese airspace over Rebun Island, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets and lodge a diplomatic protest.
Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced that a Russian reconnaissance plane, the Il-38, violated Japanese airspace over Rebun Island near Hokkaido three times. In response, Japan scrambled F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, firing flares after initial warnings were ignored. This incident, the first confirmed airspace breach since 2019, coincided with increased military activity from Russia and China in the region, prompting Japan to lodge a strong diplomatic protest.
September 23, 2024
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