"Russia Considering Invasion of Japan" Topic

This IS interesting, especially if true. They've been arguing over the Kuril's since WWII, AND have been sending hundreds of jets to test Japan's air defenses for decades. Their Chinese allies are now getting in on the game too:

link

If true…

Don't you think they have enough problems in Ukraine without starting more trouble in America's back yard?

Anyway, why would it be in Russia's interest to start another war over territory they already occupy?

🙄

Apparently, this was before they opted to move into Ukraine.

I don't think the invasion is just for the Kuril's which they already possess.

Invasion means they were considering attacking and occupying other Japanese islands.

Sketchy, very sketchy. I wouldn't bet todays junk mail on that being true!

(Unless Putin really fancies a replay of Tsushima…)

This motivated me to goggle the 1904 war. From Wkipedia:

"Although Russia suffered a number of defeats, Emperor Nicholas II remained convinced that Russia could still win if it fought on; he chose to remain engaged in the war and await the outcomes of key naval battles. As hope of victory dissipated, he continued the war to preserve the dignity of Russia by averting a "humiliating peace." Russia ignored Japan's willingness early on to agree to an armistice and rejected the idea of bringing the dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague. The war was eventually concluded with the Treaty of Portsmouth (5 September [O.S. 23 August] 1905), mediated by US President Theodore Roosevelt. The complete victory of the Japanese military surprised international observers and transformed the balance of power in both East Asia and Europe, resulting in Japan's emergence as a great power and a decline in the Russian Empire's prestige and influence in Europe. Russia's incurrence of substantial casualties and losses for a cause that resulted in humiliating defeat contributed to a growing domestic unrest which culminated in the 1905 Russian Revolution, and severely damaged the prestige of the Russian autocracy."

One could substitute Putin for Czar and Ukraine for Japan and could have the Wikipedia entry for the current war…

The Russians don't have the assets and based on their performance in Ukraine be effective in combat ops to invade anything, especially islands. When was the last time they did a large scale amph ops ?

The only Russians that may "invade" are the ones trying to get out of Putin's war/Russia. And surrender/claim sanctuary … like a couple did in Alaska recently.

I agree with Legion 4 but it would be fun to watch. I don't think this Russian military would be a match for the Japanese.

And this time the Japanese will send their mechas!

We already would have the name for the conflict "the Second Russo-Japanese War.

I don't think this Russian military would be a match for the Japanese.

Or too many other militaries … But the Russians do have combat experience, kind'a …those that are not dead or maimed.

A true invasion of Japanese territory would trigger a US response based on existing Security commitments and I believe would also pull in Australia and the UK. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense force and associated air assets would probably be more than enough by themselves to destroy the Russian Pacific Fleet and given the US forward deployed assets, a delusional action on Russia's part. Absent Chinese involvement, any Russian assets committed to such an action would enjoy a short if exciting life.

Pfffttt!!!

Oh, lord, spitting out a drink. That's hilarious!

"We can't control river crossings and we've stripped our naval infantry from Vladivostok, so let's try a real amphibious invasion!"

Hah, what a laugh, the Japanese military would be just itching for Russia to give them the opportunity to take back the Kuril's. Given that the Russian military has looked like the Keystone cops in Ukraine and now lost most of their gear and best men just imagine what the Japanese Air Force and Navy would do with the dumb Russkies, hilarious.

Oh, lord, spitting out a drink. That's hilarious!

Which why I think its rubbish! Frankly, the end result of any attempt to annex some of those islands would probably not even result in a military action – more likely the Japanese coastguard 'rescuing' half-starved, half-frozen Russian sailors and naval infantry from some deserted rocks in the middle of the ocean.

Russian military incompetence is becoming "legendary" …

Well as I have said before modern weapons even in marginal troops will still kill you. Ret. GEN Jack and others rates them as marginal. They really seem to not be able to execute modern mobile maneuver combined arms warfare.

Plus, if they have "recovered" are their troops as poorly trained and motived as before ? Is their leadership from Bn on down to Squad any better ? Did they understand the lessons learned ? Do they have the tanks, APCs, etc. to go on the offensive and be effective ?

IMO I think they will have a hard time holding what territory they have now.

I know never underestimate your enemy. But after all this time at war, I have a hard time believing they will be better than when they crossed the border.

Have read this article posted here ? TMP link

Japan can bring Ultraman out of retirement. The Russians don't stand a chance. Well, the didn't stand a chance anyway, but if you can bring out Ultraman, you bring out Ultraman.

I suspect the Japanese would win the naval battle.

Air battle is probably a toss-up.

Russians have ballistic and cruise missiles (not to mention nukes), which can ruin your day.

Not sure the performance of the Russians is indicative of how things would go in the Japanese isles, but it is certainly troubling for their leadership given such a poor performance in Ukraine.

Both the Russians and Japanese Navies have little to no combat experience. That could be a factor. FWIW – my $ is on Japan. Based on Russia's poor performance across the board.

Japan though, does have a strong history and tradition of naval excellence, unlike Russia.

My guess is that the Japanese personnel are much better trained, and professional, and many of their warships have US made weapons, which is a big plus.

Some Russian weapons are quite powerful too, but I suspect their WWII naval tradition(s) have been passed down from generation to generation. Not as good as first-hand combat experience, but it still should be a significant help.

Yes, today is Pearl Harbor Day in the USA. We must not for forget. But we have to remember, how effective the IJFs were in WWII. But this time they are on our side.