Dispute of the Kuril Islands

[T.C.P]

More units to be sent tot he Kurils.
Russia to deploy units on Iturup, Kunashir Islands - defense minister (Update 1) | Russia | RIA Novosti

The S-400 was brought up again the article.

 

[Feanor]

No S-400 is coming. The article is most likely quoting earlier statements. However there are plans for coastal ASMs and brand new attack helos; namely Bastion complexes with Yakhont missiles, and Mi-28N attack helos. Also Tor-M2 tac-SAMs. If these plans materialize this will be the first line unit to receive the Tor-M2. It will be interesting to see if the Tor-M2 will be part of the PVO Bde deployed there with the Buk complexes, or whether it will replace the Strela-10 and ZSU-23-4 currently used by the PulAD.

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http://arms-expo.ru/site.xp/049057054048124050049053051057.html

They're planning on consolidating the 5 military bases on the islands into two, one on each of the major islands. These plans certainly make more sense (given limited resources, and multiple competing priorities) in the Russian military.

EDIT: The S-400 unit going to the Far East may be destined for Kamchatka, where the new submarine base has been/is being built (I'm not sure what the status is). It's also where the Borey's are destined for. (the base at Vilyuchinsk)

http://vpk-news.ru/articles/7186

 

[Haavarla]

I think the explanation of why Russia wants to hold on to the Kuril Islands is simpler. They do not have significant mineral, human, or biologic resources and what resources they do have Russia does not have the money to properly exploit or more accurately they have better places to put their investment money than there. If you want a reason, how about Payback for the Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905. The Russians can hold a grudge.

Ok, i've been reading through this thread.
If there is no major resources to speak about in the Kurils region, it should be possible for Russia to strike a deal with Japan.
It would of course have to be a compromise of some sort for both Japan and Russia.
It is not beond Russia to make compromises in foreign border dispute like this one.

Other border dispute have been solved with exellent results.
And this Region has plenty of resources too.

Russian upper house ratifies Norway border deal | Russia | RIA Novosti

And the border agreement does not stop there:

Russian, Norwegian warships conduct live fire drills at Pomor-2010 | Defense | RIA Novosti

 

[Shock]

The status quo more or less satisfies both sides. Within the realm of reality of course. Obviously Japan would prefer if Russia handed over the islands, but realistically Japan isn't going to go to war over it. And Russia won't give them up. They'll posture and show off (mostly for internal consumption) and then forget about it when it's not such a big news item anymore.

so pretty much it's a sqabble of breadcrumbs that no one really wants to have anyways?

anyways, both have bigger problems than to worry about those islands. Russia is having to deal with Chechnya andi think we all know what Japan is in no postion to start a war for some islands.

 

[Feanor]

so pretty much it's a sqabble of breadcrumbs that no one really wants to have anyways?

In a nutshell, pretty much yes. Notice how the whole thing is over, now that the reactor went and Libya is getting bombed? Nobody cares anymore.

anyways, both have bigger problems than to worry about those islands. Russia is having to deal with Chechnya andi think we all know what Japan is in no postion to start a war for some islands.

Chechnya has been over and done with for years now. Ingushetiya, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkariya, and the terrorist threat in general are an issue, but Chechnya in particular is not.