Japanese Media: Russian Submarine Passes Through Nagasaki Waters with Ease
According to Japanese media outlet "Norimono," on May 11: The Japan Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office announced that three vessels, including a Russian Navy submarine, sailed near the coast of the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, and released photos.
The confirmed Russian naval vessels consist of a Kilo-class submarine, a Strela-class frigate (hull number 335), and an ocean-going tugboat. Around midnight on March 3, they appeared in waters approximately 70 kilometers west of the Goto Islands, then proceeded through the Tsushima Strait toward the Sea of Japan.
These vessels previously passed through the Tsushima Strait from March 5 to 6, re-entered the Pacific Ocean on March 9 via the waters between Yonaguni Island and Ishigaki Island, and were confirmed again passing through the same area between Yonaguni and Ishigaki on April 21, entering the East China Sea.
Regarding this recent appearance of Russian naval vessels, the missile boat "OTAKA," belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Third Air and Sea Surveillance Group, conducted surveillance monitoring and intelligence gathering.
The Kilo-class submarine (636.3 model) is a conventional-powered submarine known for its high level of stealth. During long-distance oceanic voyages, it typically travels surfaced with the assistance of a tugboat. The Strela-class is characterized by its stealth capabilities. While the Russian Navy classifies these vessels as patrol ships or frigates, Western sources categorize them as large frigates.
Additionally, the missile boat "OTAKA" dispatched for surveillance and intelligence collection is one of the Hayabusa-class missile boats. The Hayabusa-class is a small, high-speed vessel built in 2004, utilizing water jet propulsion and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 44 knots (approximately 81.4 km/h).
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864867716869132/
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