Japan Defense Minister refuses to rule out nuclear-powered submarines

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that the government will not rule out the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines as part of its future defense capabilities. This consideration is expected to be included in the upcoming revisions of three key national security documents: the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program, which are slated for revision by the end of the year.

Koizumi noted that while no final decision has been made, nuclear-powered submarines offer strategic advantages such as the ability to remain submerged for extended periods and achieve significantly higher speeds than conventional vessels. He suggested these traits could enhance crew safety during operations.

However, the minister also highlighted several challenges, including the high cost of nuclear propulsion, the requirement for larger hulls, and the need for specialized technical expertise. He further noted that nuclear-powered submarines are generally less quiet underwater than conventionally powered models.