Russia Fires Missiles Near Japan-Claimed Islands, Extending 300km Drill After Putin Visit
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 21
Russia Fires Missiles Near Japan-Claimed Islands, Extending 300km Drill After Putin Visit
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 21
Summary
Russia said its Pacific Fleet launched missiles near the Southern Kuril islands from a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser and the Bastion coastal defense system.
The rare exercise around islands also claimed by Japan adds to bilateral friction, with Moscow disclosing the drill through Interfax but not giving the date of the launches.
Earlier reports said Bastion anti-ship missiles were fired from Etorofu at targets 300 kilometers away, simulating strikes on enemy vessels during broader regional exercises.
Japan has protested Russia's military buildup on the islands, which Tokyo calls the Northern Territories and the Soviet Union seized at the end of World War II.