In a rare move, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled F-15 and F-35 fighter jets from the Northern Air Defense Forces to intercept a Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft that violated Japanese airspace.

Japan said a Russian surveillance plane violated its airspace three times on Monday.The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighters and fired flares in response.A Chinese military plane violated Japan's airspace last month.

Japan's defense minister said the use of flares was a legitimate response to airspace violation and "we plan to use it without hesitation."