“Buk-M1 surface to air missile systems, modern communications systems and heavy armor, including a battalion of T-80 tanks, have already been delivered to the Kurils. The provision of modern weapons and hardware for the troops in the Kurils will continue.”-Russian Defense Ministry statement

On islands just north of Hokkaido, Russia is modernizing and increasing its military presence.  Recently, the new Japanese government had made several statements about taking the islands back from Russia.

Russia is taking Japan’s threats seriously and has been upgrading weapon systems on the Southern Kuril Islands, as well as increasing troop numbers.

New bases are also being built, which includes family housing.  Russian officials say the buildup was actually ordered by President Dmitry Medvedev back in February.