Japan says Russian patrol aircraft violated its airspace

A Russian military patrol aircraft violated Japanese airspace near Rebun Island three times on Monday. In response, Japan's Self-Defense Force (SDF) dispatched F15 and F35 jets and fired flares, marking the first time flares were used for such an incident, according to spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi. During the third incursion, SDF jets issued radio warnings to the Russian military before firing flares. Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara confirmed these actions. The Japanese government has formally protested to Russia, demanding measures to prevent future violations.