The Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet has deployed state-of-the-art anti-ship missile systems on two of the islands off Hokkaido claimed by Japan, the fleet's newspaper reported recently.
The Bastion missile system has been installed on Etorofu Island and the Bal system on Kunashiri Island, according to the report.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in March his country would deploy the surface-to-surface missiles systems on the islands before the end of the year.