The Russian long-range anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142 took part in the "Ocean-2024" exercises, flying over the Japanese archipelago. In response, Japan scrambled its fighter jets. This is reported by Defence post.
The Tu-142 flew in the direction of Okinawa Island, then headed north through the Pacific Ocean and completed its flight near Hokkaido Island. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated that the Russian aircraft did not violate the country's airspace, but flew over an area that is the subject of a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia.
We urgently mobilized the Air Self-Defense Force fighters.
The source added that the last time Russian military aircraft circled over Japan was in 2019. Then, according to him, bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces invaded the country's airspace.
Cooperation between Russia and China
According to Defence post, Russia and China have intensified military cooperation in recent years. The countries announced a partnership "without restrictions" in 2022.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense also stated that in August Chinese aircraft violated their airspace. At that time, a Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft was recorded flying.
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