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Russia sends missiles near Pacific islands claimed by Japan

  • The Bastion systems moved to Matua, in the Kuril Islands, are capable of hitting sea targets at a range of up to 500km
  • The Soviet Union took the islands during World War II, and the dispute over them has kept the Japan and Russia from formally ending their hostilities

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A Bastion missile launcher is positioned on the Matua, in the Kuril Islands chain, on Thursday. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP
Associated Press
The Russian military has deployed coastal defence missile systems near the Kuril Islands, a Pacific chain also claimed by Japan. The move appeared intended to underline Moscow’s firm stance in the dispute.
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The Bastion systems were moved to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the chain. Japan claims the four southernmost islands.

Russia’s defence ministry posted a video on Thursday showing massive missile carriers moving ashore from amphibious landing vessels and driving along the coast of the volcanic island to take firing positions as part of drills.

The ministry said the deployment involved setting up living quarters for personnel, hangars for the vehicles and other infrastructure.

A Bastion missile launcher moves ashore from an amphibious landing vehicle on Matua, part of the Kuril Islands, on Thursday. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP
A Bastion missile launcher moves ashore from an amphibious landing vehicle on Matua, part of the Kuril Islands, on Thursday. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP

The Bastion is capable of hitting sea targets at a range of up to 500km (270 nautical miles).

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The deployment followed a series of moves by Russia to strengthen its military presence on the Kuril Islands.

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