gambit
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Each situation is unique and warrant custom operations. We would not second guess how Japan does it.@gambit ,
I have a question for you since you actually served in the United States Air Force. This is regarding maneuvering of spy planes. Is it normal for US spy planes to travel alone as in the case of this week's Hainan Incident ? Normally, aren't they supposed to be escorted by a lead in fighter ?
The only reason why I say this is because whenever the JASDF conducts recon operations in the Sea of Japan , especially when they conduct flights near the Republic of Korea Air Space, Russian Federation Air Space or near Chinese Air Space, the P-3 Orions that serve in the JASDF are usually escorted by a squadron of Mitsubishi F-15J Kais , or Mitsubishi F-2 Fighters.
As for how we do it off China, the Chinese know what we do and how often we do it. They have seen it often enough. This is also peace time and we expect the Chinese military to conduct itself befitting a modern and discipline force. Between the Hainan Incident and this time, there have been other US recon flights and other Chinese monitoring of our recon flights in many ways, physical presence is one of them.
Right now, the US is being patient with China. If the PLAAF will not behave like professionals as it claims to be, we will find ways to teach its pilots needed lessons in manners. There is nothing like the high pitch tone in a pilot's ears signalling that there is a weapons radar lock on his jet to get his attention, even in peace time.