Japan’s Embassy in Moscow has lodged a formal protest over Tokyo’s plan to conduct joint drills with the United States near Russia’s borders. The note, conveyed through official channels and reported by RIA Novosti on behalf of the Russian Foreign Ministry, underscores a growing concern about security dynamics in the region. Tokyo says the exercises are defensive in nature and intended to strengthen alliance interoperability, but Moscow has warned that such deployments could raise tensions and complicate regional stability. The chosen training corridors run close to Russia’s frontier, raising questions about risk perception, incident response, and the potential for miscalculation. Analysts observe that even routine defense exercises can be interpreted as strategic signals by rival powers and their followers, especially when they involve large troop deployments and rapid mobility. The Japanese government maintains that the planning and execution of the drills are meant to improve coordination with allied forces, sharpen rapid reaction capabilities, and deter potential threats. Moscow, for its part, insists that drills should observe international norms and avoid moves that could escalate fears among neighboring states or affect civilian life and critical infrastructure near the border.
On September 26, Japan will launch Keen Sword-25, a major exercise that the government tallies at about 45,000 personnel from the Self-Defense Forces alongside units from the United States. Official notices indicate that training will use facilities operated by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces in conjunction with American forces. The exercise framework reportedly includes civil airports and commercial ports, reflecting a complex, joint operational environment that blends military and civilian logistics. While the exact civilian sites have not been publicly listed, previous government decisions indicate that 28 civil infrastructure facilities fall under the category of airports and ports with specific uses that could be repurposed for military needs or evacuation if disaster or crisis demands. The involvement of civilian hubs signals an emphasis on interoperability and resilience, as planners outline guardrails to keep civilian disruption to a minimum while ensuring rapid mobilization, secure supply lines, and emergency response options. Officials emphasize that civilian access would be tightly controlled and limited to defined scenarios in order to preserve civilian life, ensure safety, and maintain public order during high-intensity activities. The plan underscores the broader trend of weaving civilian transportation networks into major defense exercises to mirror real-world contingencies and coordination challenges.
On October 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced concerns about what he described as Japan’s remilitarization. He framed the issue as a shift in the regional balance that could raise tensions across the Asia-Pacific and complicate diplomacy with Moscow. Lavrov noted that Moscow has been watching Tokyo’s defense modernization and alliance ties with interest, arguing that closer security cooperation with Western powers near Russia’s borders increases risk in crisis scenarios. The remarks reflect Moscow’s insistence that allied military activities in proximity to Russia’s perimeter be discussed openly, validated through transparent procedures, and kept within measured bounds to avoid misinterpretation by regional actors and the public. In Moscow’s view, the trend toward greater Japanese military capabilities and cross-border drills requires careful management, clear signaling, and predictable behavior to prevent unintended escalations. The Russian position remains that security dialogues should accompany any deployment plans in order to reduce ambiguity and reassure neighbors that security is achieved through deterrence and restraint rather than surprise or pressure.
Earlier discussions in Tokyo and allied capitals have touched on the possible deployment of United States nuclear weapons to Asia as part of extended deterrence. Government officials have stressed that any security arrangement must be transparent, compliant with international commitments, and consistent with broader arms control norms. The topic surfaces in the context of large-scale exercises, modernization efforts, and the evolving balance of power in East Asia. Analysts observe that such debates often reappear in tandem with talks about alliance commitments, force posture, and regional security architecture. While no formal deployment announcements have been made, the discourse reinforces the central role of alliance partnerships in shaping regional defense planning. For Moscow and Beijing, these discussions signal a dynamic that could influence crisis calculations and prompt closer scrutiny of how allied powers coordinate training, deterrence, and rapid reinforcement across the Asia-Pacific.