Increased Japanese fighter interceptions

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have increased the number of fighters assigned to airspace defence missions, now scrambling four jets for each interception of a potential airspace violation. The previous Japanese quick reaction alert (QRA), had two fighters intercepting potential intruders. The change in policy comes at a time of increased Chinese military activity around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The extra JASDF aircraft are required to monitor any additional aircraft that join the incursion, suggesting that China is regularly deploying larger formations in the East China Sea. The JASDF has also extended the duration of its combat air patrols and increased the number of sorties by E-2C early warning aircraft.