Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that a Russian military patrol aircraft violated Japanese airspace three times near Rebun Island, Hokkaido, on the afternoon of September 23.
The incursions prompted Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) to scramble fighter jets and issue radio warnings to the aircraft, marking a sharp escalation in Japan’s response to airspace violations.
The Russian aircraft, identified as an Il-38 maritime patrol plane, entered Japan’s airspace for one minute during the first violation, 30 seconds during the second, and one minute during the third. In response, Japan deployed F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, which issued multiple radio warnings. During the third incursion, the ASDF also deployed flares for the first time—devices designed to emit heat and light to serve as a warning signal.
“This is the first time Japan has used flares as part of its enforcement measures against airspace violations,” the Ministry of Defense stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Analysts pointed out that images of the Il-38 aircraft released by Japan suggest that the Russian patrol plane was conducting anti-submarine warfare activities. “The Il-38 was reportedly patrolling and deploying sonobuoys, and it may have detected a Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) submarine,” one analyst commented, adding another layer of complexity to the incident.