Russia demands withdrawal of U.S. Typhon missiles from Japan

Russia has filed a formal complaint with Japan, demanding the withdrawal of American Typhon missile systems from Japanese territory. The systems, which are capable of launching SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, were deployed as part of ‘Orient Shield’, a joint military exercise conducted by the United States and Australia between September 8 and September 24.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that the deployment is temporary. According to the ministry, the United States has confirmed the equipment will be repatriated to a U.S. military base by mid-October. This marks the third instance of such a deployment in Japan, following previous placements at the Iwakuni and Kanoya air bases.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the deployment as a direct threat to its national security and warned of potential ‘compensatory countermeasures’, noting the proximity of the exercises to the Russian Far East. China also condemned the move, citing it as evidence of Japan’s rapid rearmament.