Russian fighter jets enter S.Korea’s air defense identification zone

ISTANBUL

Several Russian fighter jets on Saturday crossed into South Korea's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in the East Sea, said Seoul’s military.

Russian jets reportedly crossed into the area at around 9.20 a.m. local time (GMT0020), according to Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency, citing a notice from the joint chiefs of staff.

The jets exited back to the eastern and northern areas of the zone after crossing into it.

They did not violate South Korea's airspace.

Seoul said it was aware of the planes before their entry into the zone and promptly sent their jets in response.

The entry's cause was explained as a mistake during a military training.

An ADIZ is a designated area of international airspace extending beyond a nation's sovereign borders where aircraft identification is required for national security purposes.