Chinese Military Jet Locks Radar Twice on JSDF Aircraft in Latest Provocation

On December 6, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet launched from the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning illuminated a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) F-15 fighter jet with its targeting radar on two separate occasions. The Japanese F-15 was patrolling over international waters southeast of Okinawa Island.

At a hastily called press conference in the early hours of December 7, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi criticized the Chinese behavior. "These are dangerous acts that go beyond the scope necessary for safe flight. It is extremely regrettable behavior. We have lodged a strong protest with the Chinese side and sternly requested that it be prevented from happening again," he told reporters.

Radar illumination is a preparatory action for actually firing a weapon. It is an extremely dangerous provocation that indicates a readiness to attempt to shoot down another aircraft. Such outrageous actions by the Chinese Navy are unacceptable and deserve the most forceful possible condemnation. 

The Chinese government should apologize and pledge to prevent any recurrence.

Making the Protest Public

Although the ASDF aircraft suffered no direct damage, the situation was extremely serious. Due to the gravity of the reckless Chinese behavior, Koizumi coordinated the government response. He also chose to make the matter public and protest as quickly as possible. That was the appropriate stance to adopt. 

The Liaoning had just passed through the strategic Miyako Strait between the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyakojima. When the incident occurred, Liaoning was headed east in international waters conducting military exercises, launching fighter jets, and helicopters. 

Fighter aircraft radar is designed to search the surrounding area and for fire control purposes before launching missiles. In this case,  the illumination was intermittent. If it had been solely used to search, there would be no need to employ it intermittently.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Navy issued a statement on December 7, condemning the SDF patrol aircraft for disrupting the ongoing naval training and "seriously threatening flight safety." That statement showed no sense of reflection on the seriousness of the incident. It did not even mention the radar illumination carried out by the Chinese aircraft.

Not the First Time

The ASDF aircraft that was illuminated had scrambled as a countermeasure to prevent violation of Japanese airspace after fighter jets were launched from the deck of the Liaoning. Japan Ministry of Defense explained that this response was legitimate and "no actions were taken that could be considered provocative."

China has responded sharply to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding a Taiwan contingency. Now, it is resorting to unjustified attempts at intimidation. That is the context in which this abnormal illumination occurred.

It is not the first such case, however. In 2013, a Chinese naval vessel used its radar to illuminate a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer. The Chinese Navy is a known threat, meaning constant vigilance is essential. 

During a meeting on Sunday, December 7, with Koizumi, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Richard Marles said that his country was "deeply concerned" by the radar illumination conducted by the Chinese military aircraft. He promised that Australia and Japan would work together to uphold "peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific."

Both Prime Minister Takaichi and Defense Minister Koizumi said they would "respond calmly and resolutely" to such provocations. 

Japan needs to fully prepare for any contingency by strengthening its defense capabilities and working with the United States, Australia, and other countries. That is the best way to strengthen deterrence against China.

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun