Russian warplanes on the Japanese border: Tokyo launches jets

Military tensions between Japan and Russia have reached a new level. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced that Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers and Su-35 fighter jets came dangerously close to Russia's airspace over the Sea of ​​Japan.

Koizumi stated, "While Russia is occupying Ukraine, it is also conducting daily military operations around our country. This is the truth," and announced the emergency deployment of military jets belonging to the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF). The Defense Minister also emphasized that the SDF continues its surveillance and interdiction operations on a 24/7 basis.

Flight route and images shared

The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets flew near Sado Island, off the west coast of Japan, before turning back north. Photos of the aircraft and a map showing their route were also released.

Moscow issues statement on "routine patrol"

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the flights were "routine patrols in international waters." The statement noted that the bombers were accompanied by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets, and that the flight lasted more than 11 hours. The ministry stated, "Our flights are conducted in strict accordance with international airspace regulations."

Similar violations of European airspace have been occurring in recent weeks. Lithuania announced last week that two Russian warplanes violated its airspace for 18 seconds. Russia maintains that such flights were conducted "as part of a military exercise."