Japan Protests Russian Il-38 Airspace Violations

Japan has lodged a strong protest with Russia after a Russian Il-38 military plane violated its airspace three times near Hokkaido's Rebun Island on September 23. This prompted Japan to scramble F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, which fired warning flares for the first time in such incidents. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara called the airspace violation 'extremely regrettable' and announced that Japan will continue robust surveillance and defense measures. This incident follows recent joint military activities by Russia and China, heightening Japan's security concerns. Japan has also been proactive in supporting Ukraine, aligning with Western sanctions against Russia. The intrusion marks the first publicly acknowledged airspace violation by Russian aircraft since 2019.