Overview
- Japan’s Defense Ministry says J-15s from the carrier Liaoning intermittently locked fire-control radar on F-15s twice on Dec. 6 southeast of Okinawa after fighters were scrambled.
- The incidents lasted about three minutes in the late afternoon and about 30 minutes in the evening, targeting different Japanese jets, according to officials.
- Tokyo lodged a strong protest, called the actions dangerous and extremely regrettable, and reported no airspace violation, injuries, or damage.
- China disputes Japan’s account as inconsistent with the facts and accuses Japanese aircraft of harassment near the Miyako Strait during previously announced drills.
- Australia voiced deep concern in talks with Japan and moved to bolster defense coordination, as reports note this is believed to be the first aircraft-to-aircraft radar lock between the two militaries.