On September 23, 2024, Japan reported a serious violation of its airspace by a Russian military aircraft, marking the first such incursion since June 2019. The incident involved a Russian Il-38 patrol plane that entered Japanese airspace over territorial waters near Rebun Island, north of Hokkaido. Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated that the country sent a 'very serious protest' to Moscow.
In response to the violation, Japan deployed F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, issuing radio warnings and flares to the Russian aircraft. Kihara expressed deep regret over the incident and urged the Russian government to prevent future occurrences.
This airspace violation comes amid heightened tensions between Japan and Russia, particularly following Japan's alignment with Western nations regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Japan has provided financial and material support to Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations.
The last recorded incursion by a Russian aircraft into Japanese airspace occurred in June 2019, involving a Tu-95 bomber.