Japan Jet Fighter Intercepted More Foreign Aircraft

Japan recorded highest interceptions and scrambling over neighbor or foreign aircraft that approaching its airspace.
Mitsubishi F-2 of Japan Air Force


Mitsubishi F-2 of Japan Air Force

The defence ministry of Japan said that in 2014, there were 943 jet scrambling, increased about 16 percent compare to the 2013. The ministry added most of foreign aircraft were Russian and Chinese military aircraft.

Back to the Cold War era, there were even more jet interceptions attempt. Eventually its decreased after Cold War end.

Minister of Defence said that there were no significant airspace violation in recent years, but the tensions tend to increase due to  territorial disputes with Japan between China and Russia.

For example, Japan and China disputing over islands in East China Sea and over islands located in north coast Japan with Russia. Responding to the tensions, Japan has increased its defence budget in on going years.