Japanese Defense Minister Shun'ei Koizumi: On the 23rd, it was confirmed that the Russian Il-20 (IL-20) intelligence gathering aircraft flew from the mainland direction, flew towards the southwest in Japanese airspace, then changed course near the Kyoto Prefecture sea area, and returned towards the mainland direction northwest. In response, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Northern Air Regional Command and other fighter jets were urgently launched.
The Il-20 is an intelligence gathering aircraft previously introduced, used to collect radio wave signals emitted by ground radars, aircraft, and ships.
Previously, Russian Tu-95 (Tu-95) strategic bombers and fighter jets had continuously flown towards our country's direction in Japanese airspace. This time, an intelligence gathering aircraft has come — even during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to carry out active military activities around our country.
The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will closely monitor the movements of the Russian military in the maritime and air space around our country, maintain strict vigilance and surveillance, and fully prepare measures to deal with any violation of our airspace.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855152127305867/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.