Japan scrambled fighters. Russia sent reconnaissance planes

The first Russian Il-20 flew over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. It was detected over the Pacific. A second machine of the same type approached Sado Island in the Sea of ​​Japan. Due to the activity of the Russians, the Japanese armed forces scrambled fighter jets. Reuters quotes a statement from the Ministry of Defence. The first of the detected machines turned back over the Pacific Ocean.

The second Il-20 approached the territorial waters of Japan, then also turned around and moved away towards the Asian continent. The Il-20 is an aircraft produced since the late 1960s, designed for reconnaissance and electronic and imaging reconnaissance.

Russia provokes Japan

In a recent development that has heightened regional tensions, Japan's defense forces were compelled to scramble fighter jets as Russian reconnaissance planes made provocative maneuvers in the vicinity of Japanese airspace. This incident marks yet another instance of escalating geopolitical tensions between the two countries, posing potential risks to the delicate balance of power in the region.

The longstanding territorial disputes and historical grievances between Japan and Russia have often been the underlying causes of strained relations. However, the recent encounter has further strained the already delicate equilibrium, potentially pushing the situation towards an even more precarious state.

With Japan's commitment to ensuring the security of its territorial waters and airspace, the rapid response by Japanese fighter jets serves as a visible demonstration of its determination to protect its sovereignty. On the other hand, the presence of Russian reconnaissance planes in close proximity to Japanese airspace raises questions about Moscow's intentions and the potential ramifications for regional stability.

As tensions continue to simmer between these two nations, it is essential to delve into the historical context and geopolitical factors that have contributed to the current state of affairs. Understanding the underlying dynamics will provide insights into the motivations behind these recent military encounters and shed light on the potential implications for not only Japan and Russia but also the broader regional security landscape.

A similar incident happened two days earlier. Russian and Chinese planes approached Japanese airspace. In this case, fighters were also scrambled. The Russians reported that it was part of joint military exercises with China. However, Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi draw the media's attention that the incident took place during the Quad Summit – an initiative to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The founders of the summit are Japan, Australia, India and the United States, and President Joe Biden was present in Tokyo for joint leaders' talks.