Russian Su-35S and MiG-31BM fighter jets of the Eastern Military District escorted a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the Sea of Japan.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that according to the Russian Defense Industry, Russian airspace control agents detected a target heading towards the Russian border over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan.

"To identify and intercept the target, Su-35S and MiG-31BM fighter jets were scrambled, which, after approaching the object identified it as a U.S. Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft," the Defense Ministry said.

According to the Defense Ministry, the fighters escorted the reconnaissance aircraft at a safe distance. When it turned around and flew away from the Russian state border, the Su-35S and MiG-31BM returned to the base airfield.