Japan has recorded Russian military aircraft activity near its borders. The country’s air force scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Su-35 fighter jets as they flew along the Japanese coast, Reuters.
Japan’s Defense Ministry has released a map of the flight path of Russian aircraft over the Sea of Japan near its western coast. Tokyo has stressed that such activity is a cause for concern. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi noted that Russia is conducting military operations near Japan almost daily, while continuing the war against Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the flight, stating that it was a “scheduled patrol over neutral waters”. According to them, two Tu-95s were escorting two Su-35s, which were initially heading towards Sado Island, and then changed course to the north.
The incident occurred on the eve of the speech of the new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in parliament. In her first speech, she emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities due to the growing threats from Russia, China and North Korea. Takaichi also emphasized the importance of partnership with Ukraine and noted the courage of the Ukrainian people and President Volodymyr Zelensky in confronting Russian aggression.
