East View of Military Affairs | Japan Discusses Developing Nuclear Submarines for Surprise Attacks and Offense

In response to the Japanese government's attempts to develop nuclear-powered submarines, several Japanese civic groups recently issued a joint statement pointing out that Japan has long advocated for the abolition of nuclear weapons, and the Japanese Atomic Energy Basic Law stipulates that the use of nuclear energy is limited to peaceful purposes. Possessing nuclear submarines would mean a self-denial of this position. The stance of the civic groups reflects the concerns of the Japanese public regarding the government's extensive military expansion.

Planning to Equip Nuclear Submarines: Cooperation Between Japanese Political Parties

As early as 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed regarding the topic of whether to introduce nuclear submarines, “We will not rule out any options and will consider all measures that help enhance deterrence and response capabilities.”

The Japanese government's think tank, the “Defense Basic Strengthening Expert Committee,” pointed out that Japan's defense plan is disconnected from the international situation and needs to be strengthened and revised. It should consider introducing “new type power submarines,” especially “nuclear submarines,” to enhance national defense deterrence and response capabilities. It is understood that the members of the “Defense Basic Strengthening Expert Committee” include former foreign officials, former defense officials, and representatives from large enterprises.

The Japanese government think tank believes that the deterrent capability of nuclear submarines is superior to that of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's conventional submarines.

The Japanese “Peace Boat” organization stated on its website that the ruling party and government expert group’s proposal to possess nuclear submarines is a very dangerous trend. Nuclear submarines are equipped for long-range stealth and attack, and possessing nuclear submarines would seriously deviate from Japan's adherence to the principle of “defensive defense.”

After Japan completes the research and development of the “Oh whale” class lithium-ion battery submarines and begins mass production, it will start the design and development of a new generation of submarines. Kawasaki Heavy Industries envisions a new generation submarine with a standard displacement of 4,000 tons, equipped with a vertical launch system for cruise missiles. Mitsubishi is also developing a small modular reactor to reserve power technology for nuclear submarines.

Strengthening Coastal Raids and Oceanic Offensives

Nuclear submarines can remain submerged for long periods, making them a highly stealthy and powerful underwater combat platform.

The new generation submarine envisioned by Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Once Japan possesses nuclear submarines, the Maritime Self-Defense Force's capabilities for coastal raids and oceanic offensives will be enhanced. Equipped with heavy torpedoes and long-range submarine-launched cruise missiles, nuclear submarines can be covertly deployed in waters around Japan, close to neighboring countries, to carry out reconnaissance and deterrence missions. The Maritime Self-Defense Force, with nuclear submarines, will have stronger underwater raid capabilities targeting the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.

Additionally, the Maritime Self-Defense Force no longer conceals its ambitions to deploy forces in distant seas, and nuclear submarines are one of the most desired platforms for oceanic operations.

Japan is significantly adjusting its security policy, seeking to develop nuclear-powered offensive weapons, and is straying further down the wrong path of military expansion, which warrants high vigilance from neighboring countries.

Source | Global Information Network

Commentator | Wei Dongxu