Russia-Japan tensions rise over airspace violation dispute

"It is regrettable that Russia does not take Japan's protests seriously regarding the violation of its airspace by a Russian military aircraft," stated Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday, referring to the situation involving the Ilyushin Il-38 military aircraft. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In response to the threefold violation of Japanese airspace by the Russian Il-38 military aircraft on 23 September, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida lodged a "stern protest" with Moscow through diplomatic channels. "It is extremely regrettable that it cannot be said that the Russian side has taken Japan's protests seriously," said Hayashi during a press conference, referring to Wednesday's statements by the Russian foreign ministry.

During a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that the Japanese authorities "attempted to lodge a protest in this matter through diplomatic channels," but "Russia rejected this accusation as we have no information confirming its validity." Hayashi added that the government in Tokyo has once again informed the authorities in Moscow of its position and has firmly urged them to prevent similar situations from recurring.

The Il-38 aircraft, which violated Japan's airspace, is a Soviet-made maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Russia primarily uses these planes for operations related to maritime surveillance and the detection and destruction of submarines. According to available data, Russia currently possesses approximately 20 Il-38 aircraft. These planes are utilized within the Russian armed forces to monitor and control activities in territorial and open waters and carry out combat missions aimed at neutralizing potential underwater threats.

The Il-38 aircraft are highly versatile and equipped with advanced submarine detection systems, including sonar and sonobuoys. They can operate under various weather conditions and can conduct long-duration patrols over vast maritime areas. These aircraft are also equipped with modern weapons, including torpedoes and missiles, which effectively neutralize underwater threats.