Russia's Mikoyan MiG-31 fighter jet was sent to follow the United States'
B-1B Lancer bomber over the Sea of Japan, Sunday (17/10/2021).
According to Russia's Center for National Defense Management, the fighter
jet was launched to intercept the American bomber as it approached the
country's borders.
The center said Russia's airspace control system detected aerial targets
over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan moving close to the country's
borders.
The Russian Mikoyan MiG-31 of the Eastern Military District air defense
rapid reaction warning force was deployed to identify him.
“The crew of the Russian fighter jet identified the target as a US B-1B
Lancer bomber and escorted it over the Sea of Japan. No violation of
Russia's state borders is allowed," the National Defense Management Center
was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency.
As the Center for National Defense notes, the flights of Russian warplanes
are carried out in strict compliance with international rules for using
airspace.
The US military has not commented on the interactions of its bombers with
Moscow fighter jets over the Sea of Japan.
Washington has been adamant it will continue to carry out flights and
shipping anywhere in international territory.
