Russia alarmed by Japanese jets near its borders — Fear of attack?
Illustrative photo: The Kremlin was alarmed by Japanese aircraft near its borders (Getty Images)
The Russian Federation has complained about Japan, which, together with the United States of America, conducted exercises near the Russian border, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Background
On July 11, the United States, Japan, and South Korea conducted joint air drills over international waters near Jeju Island. The exercises involved a B-52H strategic bomber, South Korean KF-16s, and Japanese F-2 fighter jets. This marked the first deployment of a B-52 near the Korean Peninsula this year.
The drills took place against the backdrop of a meeting of senior military officials from the three countries in Seoul. The participants emphasized their commitment to strengthening trilateral defense cooperation to deter North Korea.
Russia’s reaction
Russia responded to these exercises by declaring a "strong protest to Japan due to the participation of the Self-Defense Forces in the large-scale US Armed Forces Resolute Force Pacific exercises, which will take place from July 9 to August 4, including at military training bases located in close proximity to the Russian Federation’s Far Eastern borders."
The Russians stated that the US and Japanese command allegedly made direct hints that the necessity of these measures was dictated by Russia’s increased activities aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities.
"Russia considers such irresponsible actions, which bear all the signs of preparation for an armed conflict, unacceptable. They pose a potential threat to the security of the Russian Federation and will inevitably provoke adequate countermeasures," said the Russian Foreign Ministry.
On the eve of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia announced large-scale military exercises. In particular, in January and February 2022, Russian troops were actively deployed near the borders of Ukraine and also to the territory of Belarus under the pretext of Allied Resolve 2022 joint exercises.
Officially, the Kremlin assured that these actions did not pose a threat and were part of "routine military planning," but in reality, Russia was preparing for an offensive.
At that time, the Russians used the exercises as cover to concentrate strike groups of troops and equipment near the Ukrainian borders.
Russian aircraft incursions into NATO airspace
Interestingly, recently, there has been an increase in incidents where Russian aircraft have violated the airspace of NATO member countries. In particular, in May, fighter jets intercepted a Russian Su-24, which was performing dangerous maneuvers near the Polish border.
In addition, NATO aircraft were scrambled because a Russian Su-35 fighter jet violated Estonia’s airspace. This happened in the area of the Juminda Peninsula.
And in June, Royal Air Force fighters intercepted a Russian reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea that had entered Polish airspace.
