Japan Militarization Push Prompts Russian Response
Alexey Zhuravlev says Japan’s militarization and closer US alignment require Russia to strengthen its Pacific Fleet and hypersonic systems.
First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Alexey Zhuravlev said Japan is gradually revising its postwar restrictions, changing its legislation and restructuring its armed forces closer to U.S. standards.
According to the lawmaker, Tokyo’s creation of space forces, purchases of medium-range missiles and expansion of military powers are not just political declarations, but concrete steps already reflected in official Japanese statements.
At the same time, Zhuravlev believes it is too early to speak of a full-fledged NATO-style bloc led by Japan. In his view, what is taking shape is not a single rigid structure modeled on the North Atlantic Alliance, but a flexible network of military and political formats, including AUKUS, QUAD and JAPHUS.
The deputy stressed that Japan’s militarization and its growing alignment with the U. S. Armed Forces are strategic in nature. He said this situation requires a carefully planned response from Russia, and Moscow is already building a comprehensive system of countermeasures.
On the military-technical side, this includes strengthening the Pacific Fleet and deploying hypersonic systems, including Zircon and Avangard missiles.
Russia is also deepening military cooperation with China and other partners in the SCO and BRICS. This track includes joint exercises, patrols and broader coordination in the field of security.