Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Russia Warns Japan of Countermeasures Over US Typhon Drills
Russia is unhappy about military exercises planned in Japan.
The exercises will include Japan, the United States, and Australia.
They are called Orient Shield and are planned for September 8-24.
About 3,700 people are expected to take part.
The United States may use Typhon missile launchers during the exercises.
Russia says these weapons near its far eastern border could threaten its safety.
Russia complained to Japan and warned it might take countermeasures.
The disagreement comes after Russia and Japan exchanged protests over a visit by Vladimir Putin to a disputed island.
Russia formally protested Japan’s planned military exercises involving the United States and Australia.
The Orient Shield drills are scheduled for September 8-24 in Japan, with about 3,700 personnel.
The exercises are expected to include US Typhon systems capable of launching SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles.
Russia said deploying Typhon systems on Japanese territory threatens its national security and warned of countermeasures.
The dispute follows recent protests between Moscow and Tokyo over Vladimir Putin’s visit to a disputed island.
- Who
- Russia, Japan, the United States, and Australia are involved; Maria Zakharova announced Russia’s position.
- What
- Russia condemned the Orient Shield exercises, protested the planned Typhon deployment, and warned of possible countermeasures.
- When
- Russia’s complaint was reported on Tuesday, September 1; the exercises are scheduled for September 8-24.
- Where
- The exercises are planned in Japan, including areas near Russia’s Far Eastern borders; Russia’s complaint was delivered to Japan’s embassy in Moscow.
- Why
- Russia said the military activity and deployment of Typhon systems on Japanese territory threaten its national security.
- Exercise
- Orient Shield
- Exercise dates
- September 8-24
- Participants
- Japan, the United States, and Australia
- Expected personnel
- Approximately 3,700
- Missile system
- US Typhon mid-range missile systems
- Potential weapons
- SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles
- Russia’s response
- A formal complaint and warning of compensatory countermeasures
