Japan’s defense ministry said on Friday it had scrambled military jets to intercept a Russian bomber aircraft and fighter jets near country’s airspace.
According to a statement, Japan scrambled jet fighters to intercept four Tupolev Tu-95MS Bear bombers and four Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E fighter aircraft that flew near the east and west coast of the country.
“Looking at the flight pattern of the Russian aircraft, Japan’s fighter aircraft involved were most probably from the Northern Air Defence Force 2 Kokudan based at Chitose flying with the F-15J/DJ Eagle. But also other units might have been involved,” a statement issued by Scramble Magazine.
The February 15 flights constitute one of the largest single presence of Russian military aircraft near Japan since Russia resumed regular long-range patrols in East Asia in 2014 following the deterioration of Russia-Japan diplomatic relations as a result of the Russian intervention in Eastern Ukraine.
Also, the Scrambel Magazine added that other sources claim “only” four aircraft involved, two Tu-95MS Bears and two Su-35 Flankers.
The February 15 intercept took place after a three-and-a-half-week hiatus of Russian long-range patrols.
