Japan is reviewing a broad range of options to strengthen its defense capabilities and has not ruled out acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, according to senior Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi, amid growing concerns over a deteriorating global security environment.
In an interview with a leading Japanese newspaper, Takaichi said Japan remains committed to reinforcing its defensive posture and ensuring effective deterrence and response capabilities. When asked whether Tokyo was considering nuclear-powered submarines, she pointed to a coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party that refers to the development of submarines equipped with “next-generation propulsion systems,” without specifying whether nuclear propulsion would be included.
“We are not excluding any option,” Takaichi said, stressing that the debate is not aimed at reaching a predetermined conclusion but at identifying practical solutions to enhance Japan’s defense capacity. She added that the global security landscape is changing rapidly, with countries accelerating preparations for new forms of warfare.
Takaichi argued that Japan must seriously examine all necessary measures to safeguard its independence and ensure the safety of its citizens, as regional and international threats continue to evolve.
She also noted that an urgent review of Japan’s three key strategic documents—the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program—will take into account fast-moving geopolitical shifts. The aim, she said, is to modernize Japan’s defense policy and improve its ability to respond to contemporary security challenges.
In a related development, Takaichi previously told parliament that the government was determined to raise defense spending to 2 percent of gross domestic product during the 2025 fiscal year, which runs until 31 March 2026. She later confirmed that this target had effectively been achieved following the approval of a supplementary budget.
The debate highlights a significant moment in Japan’s postwar security policy, as Tokyo reassesses long-standing constraints in response to mounting regional and global pressures.
Follow the latest news on Google News
