A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa informed reporters about the incident on Monday night.

Hayashi said a Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft intruded into Japanese airspace near Rebun Island in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido three times between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets were scrambled to respond to the intrusion. The jets also used flares, a device that emits light and heat, to warn the Russian aircraft. It is the first time flares were used since Tokyo launched a set of anti-aerial intrusion measures.

Hayashi said he has reported the incident to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. He said Kishida gave him three instructions; one, respond calmly but with strong determination to defend Japan's land, sea and air; two, closely coordinate with the United States and other relevant nations; three, send out appropriate information at the right time to the Japanese people and the international community.

Hayashi said it is extremely regrettable that Japanese airspace has been violated like this. He said he lodged a protest with the Russian government through diplomatic channels and asked Moscow to never repeat the intrusion.