Russia Expresses Concern Over Japan’s Shifting Military Exercises

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a Russian Foreign Ministry official told RIA Novosti that military exercises involving Japan no longer possess solely defensive characteristics, and Moscow is deeply worried about this trend.

The Russian Foreign Ministry official pointed to Tokyo’s announced plan to utilize offensive missile systems, identified as ‘Type-25,’ in the joint Japan-U.S. exercise known as ‘Keen Sword 27,’ scheduled for October. The official added, “It is clear that within the framework of the policy Japan is pursuing towards remilitarization, its military activities have lost their purely defensive nature.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry official emphasized that the use of these missile systems in joint exercises indicates a change in the nature of these maneuvers and an increase in Japan’s military capabilities.

According to published reports, the ‘Keen Sword 27’ exercise is set to take place over 11 days, commencing on October 19. In addition to Japanese and U.S. forces, personnel from seven other countries, including Australia and Canada, will participate.