Japan wants nuclear submarines, but can it overcome the obstacles?

The Liberal Democratic Party began talks this week with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, on revisions to Japan’s defense strategy. Among the many issues, a central topic will be the potential acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines for the Maritime Self-Defense Force.Under the coalition agreement between the ruling parties, the JIP has called for the introduction of submarines powered by “next-generation propulsion systems,” with the junior partner advocating a shift from Japan’s diesel-powered vessels to those equipped with nuclear power plants. The idea also has considerable support within the LDP.If the coalition reaches an agreement, the parties are expected to clarify the need for these advanced weapon systems in the strategy documents and include them in the acquisition plans outlined in the Defense Buildup Program, which is part of the three defense documents to be revised by the year-end. The other two documents are the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy.