Three incursions by a Russian military patrol aircraft into Japanese airspace near Hokkaido's Rebun Island prompted Japan's Self-Defense Force (SDF) to dispatch aircraft and fire flares in response, marking the first time such measures have been taken.
On Monday, September 24, 2024, a Russian military patrol aircraft violated Japanese airspace near Hokkaido's Rebun Island on three separate occasions, prompting Japan's Self-Defense Force (SDF) to dispatch aircraft in an emergency response and fire flares.
According to government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, it is the first time Japan's SDF aircraft has fired flares in "an anti-airspace violation action".
Japan's Self-Defense Force Fires Flares at Russian Aircraft Violating Airspace
The SDF fighter jets – F15s and F35s – warned the Russian military over the radio before firing the flares during the third incursion, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters.
The Japanese government has strongly protested to Russia via diplomatic channels and demanded that it prevent any recurrence of such violations.
Japan's Self-Defense Force Fires Flares at Russian Aircraft Violating Airspace
The incident raises concerns about the increasing tensions between Japan and Russia in recent months. In June 2024, Russia conducted large-scale military exercises in the Sea of Japan, including the launch of ballistic missiles. Japan also expressed concern over Russia's continued military presence in the disputed Kuril Islands.
Analysts say that the latest airspace violations are part of a larger pattern of Russian assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia has been seeking to expand its influence in the region, and has been actively courting countries such as China and North Korea.
The United States, Japan's main security ally, has expressed concern about Russia's military activities in the Asia-Pacific region. In August 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Russia's actions were "destabilizing" and posed a threat to regional security.
The Japanese government has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend its territory and airspace. The SDF is on high alert and is monitoring the situation closely.
Experts say that the latest airspace violations are a reminder of the potential for conflict between Japan and Russia. The two countries have a long history of territorial disputes, and Japan is concerned about Russia's military buildup in the region.
The Japanese government has urged Russia to cease its airspace violations and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. However, it remains to be seen whether Russia will heed Japan's calls.
