Russia has responded with a mirror move to the deployment of the U. S. Typhon medium-range missile system in Japan, near the Kuril Islands. According to the Chinese outlet Sohu, Moscow positioned the Bastion coastal defense system on the islands and transferred fighter jets from the Arctic to reinforce the Pacific Fleet.

The publication noted that these measures were taken swiftly after the U.S. missile system appeared close to Russian territory. By moving Bastion launchers and deploying additional aircraft, Russia significantly boosted the combat readiness of its Pacific forces.

Analysts pointed out that the decision came directly in response to the U.S.-Japanese military drills Resolute Dragon, which had already fueled regional tensions. Sohu stressed that stationing the Typhon system so close to Russian borders posed a clear threat to national security and risked further escalation.

Japan’s Defense Ministry reported that Resolute Dragon 25 is running from September 11 to 25. The drills involve over 14,000 troops from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and around 5,000 American personnel, including the U. S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force.

As part of the exercises, Washington plans to test the use of its latest Typhon missile system.