EDITORIAL | Russian Intrusion Calls for Stronger Japanese Defense

On September 23, a Russian IL-38 military patrol plane entered Japanese airspace without permission three separate times. The incidents happened near Rebun Island off Hokkaido.

Several Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) F-15 and F-35 fighter jets scrambled to warn the Russian plane to leave. However, it did not do so. The Japanese planes then fired warning flares designed to disrupt the Russian plane's infrared-guided missiles and other weapons.

The fact that the Russian plane flew in a zigzag pattern before violating Japan's territorial airspace on three instances shows that the provocation was intentional. 

Dangerous Russian and Chinese Collaboration

Moscow continues to engage in military provocations and blatant violations of sovereignty. Meanwhile, Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine and illegal occupation of Japan's Northern Territories. Such behavior is internationally unacceptable and the ASDF's response was correct. If there are any more such violations of Japanese airspace, ASDF planes should not hesitate to fire warning shots. 

The infringement of Japan's territorial airspace occurred near the Soya Strait that separates Hokkaido and the Russian island of Sakhalin. On the same day as the intrusion, nine warships belonging to the Russian and Chinese navies passed eastward through the Soya Strait. The warships, including guided missile cruisers, headed for the Pacific Ocean. 

Recent joint patrols by the two navies seem intended to intimidate Japan. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara has said that there is a possibility that the infringement on Japan's airspace is related to such intention.

Japan to 'Defend Our Territory'

The Japanese government has protested to Moscow through diplomatic channels concerning the infringement of its territorial airspace. Although he was visiting the United States at the time, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sharply criticized the Russian actions. Kishida declared, "Under the determination to resolutely defend our territory, territorial waters, and territorial airspace, we will continue to undertake all possible monitoring and surveillance activities."

If that is the case, then the Self-Defense Forces must strengthen their Northern defenses.

On August 19, a Chinese military spy plane violated Japanese airspace off the coast of the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. Then, on September 12, the day the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election was announced, two Russian military patrol aircraft flew around the Japanese archipelago. Now Japan faces this latest group of territorial airspace intrusions. Today, as we find ourselves in a sort of political vacuum, the security environment surrounding Japan remains extremely severe.

Russia has ballistic missile-equipped nuclear submarines (SSBNs) lurking in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. They are said to be capable of launching nuclear attacks against the United States. As one of the entrances to the Sea of Okhotsk, the Soya Strait is a key strategic military point. The violation of Japanese airspace by a Russian military aircraft and the passage of Chinese and Russian naval vessels in the area have further increased tensions.

It Takes More than 'Police Powers'

Currently, measures taken by the ASDF in the event of territorial airspace intrusions are considered an exercise of police powers. ASDF aircraft are limited in their authorization to fire on manned aircraft belonging to another nation. The use of force that could cause death or serious injury is only allowed for legitimate defense or emergency evacuations.

Intercepting ballistic missiles before a defense mobilization order is issued is also an exercise of police power. Since the SDF is considered a military force under international law, in order to increase deterrence would it not make more sense to allow SDF personnel to respond in either case by exercising the right of self-defense?

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun