Japan Fires Flares at Russian Plane After Multiple Airspace Violations

The unprecedented use of flares by Japanese fighter jets follows a series of airspace breaches by a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near Hokkaido.

A Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft violated Japanese airspace near Rebun Island three times on Monday.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara confirmed that fighter jets issued radio warnings before deploying flares to warn off the Russian plane.
This is the first time Japan has used flares in response to an airspace violation, marking a significant escalation in their defense measures.
The airspace breaches coincide with joint military exercises by Russia and China, raising concerns in Tokyo about increased military cooperation between the two nations.
Japan has lodged a strong protest with Russia through diplomatic channels, demanding measures to prevent future violations.