Russian Navy Submarine Transits Near Yonaguni 14 Times in 2026

October 2, 2026 at 08:54 AM2 min

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Russian naval vessels have transited near Japan's Yonaguni Island at least 14 times in 2026, a sharp increase from four transits in 2025. The most recent transit, involving an Improved Kilo-class submarine and a search-and-rescue vessel, occurred on September 25. The activity coincides with heightened Russian military presence in the Kuril Islands following President Vladimir Putin's August 13 visit.

Key Facts

Japan's Defense Ministry observed a Russian Improved Kilo-class submarine and a search-and-rescue vessel sailing north between Yonaguni and Iriomote on August 13.
Russian vessels have made at least 14 transits around Yonaguni in 2026, up from four in 2025.
The most recent transit occurred on September 25, between Yonaguni and Iriomote.
President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island on August 13, his first visit to the Kuril Islands as Russia's leader.
Japan's Joint Staff recorded no Russian transits near Yonaguni in 2021 and two in 2022.

Russian Naval Activity

Japan's Defense Ministry reported observing a Russian Improved Kilo-class submarine and a search-and-rescue vessel sailing north between Yonaguni and Iriomote on August 13. That transit was one of at least 14 by Russian vessels around Yonaguni so far in 2026. The number of transits has risen from two in 2022 to six in 2024, dipped to four in 2025, and reached 14 in 2026. The most recent transit occurred on September 25 between Yonaguni and Iriomote.

Kuril Islands Dispute

President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island on August 13, his first visit to the Kuril Islands as Russia's leader. Japan claims the southern Kuril Islands, which it calls the Northern Territories, were seized illegally by the Soviet Union after World War II. Putin's visit came days after the anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and days before the anniversary of Japan's surrender announcement. Russia's military buildup on the islands remains a sensitive issue for Tokyo.

Regional Security Concerns

China has increased military operations around Japan's Southwest Islands since the early 2010s. Chinese activity near Yonaguni and the Sakishima Islands has picked up in recent years, indicating Beijing's interest in familiarizing its forces with the area around Taiwan. The Russian transits near Yonaguni, the Japanese island closest to Taiwan, add to Tokyo's concerns about military activity in the region.