Russia Deploys Land-to-Ship Missile Systems In Kuril Islands Off Japan’s Hokkaido

Russia has deployed Bastion land-to-ship missile systems on two islands in the northern portion of the Kuril islands chain, off Japan’s Hokkaido, completing Russia’s defensive line stretching from the Kamchatka Peninsula to Hokkaido.

The installed missile systems were moved from Kamchatka Peninsula to Paramushir and Matua islands in the chain. The chain includes four Japan-claimed islands, Kyodo News reported Monday, citing an internal Russian government document published last December.

“They have already been moved and are now being prepared for operation,” a Russian government official was quoted as saying by the Japan Times on Tuesday.

Additionally, a vessel-detection radio base and an air fleet would also be installed on Matua.