Japan scrambles fighter jets in response to Russian reconnaissance aircraft

Japan's Self-Defense Forces deployed fighter jets after a Russian Ilyushin Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft entered the country’s airspace, Report informs, citing Interfax.

According to a statement released Saturday by Japan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Russian aircraft conducted a flight along the western coastline of Hokkaido and Honshu islands, over the waters of the Sea of Japan, before veering back toward the mainland.

In response, Northern Air Defense Forces and other Air Self-Defense Force fighters were scrambled to monitor and deter the aircraft.