Japanese jets deployed in response to Russian maritime reconnaissance aircraft

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets have intercept two Russian maritime reconnaissance aircraft approaching their respective airspaces on 1 September.

According to the official’s statement by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD), the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has deployed fighter jets to escort the Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft over the Sea of Japan.

The Russian Sukhoi Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft flew close to Japanese airspace, near the city of Wajima, Ishikawa, before turning back towards Vladivostock, and Tu-142 flew along the Japanese coast.

The latest similar incident occurred last week when Japnese fighters intercepted Chinese Shaanxi Y-9JB electronic warfare and surveillance aircraft over the islands of Tsushima crossing the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber.

The aircraft is developed to provide improved naval combat capabilities. It can be deployed primarily in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, maritime reconnaissance and low-range patrol runs.

Russian Su-24MRs, known by the NATO codename “Fencer”, are front-line supersonic aircraft that can carry out deep reconnaissance up to 400km from the front line.

In order to enable the aircraft to conduct deep reconnaissance, the jet is fitted with a sideway radar. It facilitates the tracking of ground targets such as enemy fortifications and equipment through the use of sensitive high-resolution cameras, radio detection systems and infrared sensors that would help detect camouflaged objects.