Japan making moves to expand the strategic capabilities of its military - particularly JMSDF- is considering the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
Japan has initiated several important projects to increase its deterrence in the maritime field in response to the rapidly expanding PLAN surface combatant fleet. The next project might be the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) as reported by Naval News.
Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi made a call for nuclear submarines with practically unlimited range and far longer submerged endurance during an interview with the Tokyo Broadcasting System Television.
Underlining the geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, Koizumi questioned whether it is viable to continue with diesel/AIP submarines currently used by the JMSDF.
While the desire to have nuclear submarines has been expressed, it should be noted that no official decision has been made yet.
In addition to a propulsion system that elevates a submarine to a high place in terms of strategic value, Japan’s new Minister of Defence also nodded to the use of VLS to launch long-range strike missiles. SSNs are usually fitted with specialised VLS for underwater use that can launch land attack cruise missiles (LACM), anti-ship missiles (AShM), and recently tactical/short-range ballistic missiles (TBM/SRBM).
Japan has already made an entry into long-range cruise missiles with the ‘Improved Type 12’ anti-ship missile that offers a longer range and refinements in terms of low observability. Aside from more capable cruise missiles, Japan is also developing hypersonic glide weapons, one of which was tested in 2024.
Where to Put the Nuclear Submarine in JMSDF?
Several important moves have been made, as stated before, to add offensive capabilities to the JMSDF in addition to the well-rounded defensive capabilities.
Countries with SSNs prefer to deploy them as a part of carrier battle groups, if present, such as the UK and the US. Japan’s carrier battle groups for its two newly converted Izumo-class aircaft carriers (From helicopter-carrying destroyers) is one potential place of deployment for this reason.
On the other hand, submarines armed with long-range missiles and capable of going as far as the onboard supplies for the crew allow can be placed as remote striking options with low chances of detection too.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
