Overview
- Japan’s defense ministry says J-15s launched from the carrier Liaoning intermittently locked fire-control radar on JSDF F-15s twice on Dec. 6 near Okinawa.
- The locks lasted about three minutes in the late afternoon and about 30 minutes in the evening, with different Japanese jets detecting them after scrambles.
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the actions dangerous and extremely regrettable, lodged a strong protest, and demanded measures to prevent a recurrence.
- Japan reported no airspace violation, injuries, or damage as it tracked the carrier operating with three destroyers during takeoff and landing drills in the Pacific.
- China’s navy rejected Tokyo’s account as inconsistent with the facts, while Australia’s defense minister voiced deep concern and Japan said it is closely monitoring Chinese activity.