Japan deploys military assets after spotting Russian submarine near its waters
- Japan deployed military assets, including a P-3 survey aircraft and a combat support ship, to monitor a Russian submarine sighted 50 kilometers south of Yonaguni Island.
- The Russian submarine, identified as Kilo-class, was on the move alongside a naval ship without breaching Japanese territorial waters.
- These incidents reflect growing regional security concerns for Japan regarding Russian and Chinese military activity in nearby waters.
On December 2, 2024, Japan's military responded to increased regional tensions by dispatching a surveillance plane and a navy ship to locate a Russian submarine near Yonaguni Island. The Kilo-class submarine was reported to be moving northeast, approximately 50 kilometers south of the island, and accompanied by a Russian naval ship. This event marked the first sighting of a Russian submarine in these waters according to Japan's Joint Staff. The submarine reportedly did not breach Japan's territorial waters. The heightened visibility of Russian naval activity occurs against the backdrop of Japan's growing concerns regarding military maneuvers in the region, particularly those involving Russia and China. Prior to this incident, the Philippine military had also reported the sighting of a Kilo-class Russian submarine in the South China Sea near Occidental Mindoro. The submarine's presence prompted strong reactions from Philippine officials, who deemed the situation 'very worrisome' due to the potential infringement on the nation's exclusive economic zone. Japan's military presence has escalated in the waters surrounding the southwestern islands as they seek to reinforce their national defense amidst increasing military operations by China, including encounters with foreign naval vessels. The Japanese government has been proactive in strengthening defenses on remote islands, viewing them as critical to Japan's overall defense strategy. The recent collaborations between Russian and Chinese forces have further exacerbated Japan's anxieties. As military assets from various nations navigate the complex dynamics of the South China Sea and surrounding waters, the potential for conflict remains a significant concern for all involved parties, particularly for Japan and the Philippines. Recent developments underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness in maritime territorial management and the necessity of diplomatic efforts to ensure strategic stability.