Japan scrambles fighter jets to intercept Russian warplanes
Fighter jets from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces intercepted and escorted Russian aircraft, reported the website of the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Four JSDF jets scrambled to intercept two Tu-142 anti-submarine warfare planes and two Su-24 all-weather attack planes.
According to the Joint Staff of the JSDF’s air force, the Tu-142 planes flew towards Hokkaido Island and continued along its west coast to the south making a circle and flying round the archipelago. Also, a Su-24 bomber flew near Honshu Island, the Ministry stated.
This is not the first time in recent years for Japan to escort Russian aircraft. Last winter, JSDF aircraft made rapprochement with the Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers of the Russian Aerospace Forces when the former was patrolling Japanese waters and the East China Sea.