TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday the government will "seriously consider" the possibility of the country's Self-Defense Forces introducing nuclear-powered submarines, in the face of increased military activity by its neighbors.
"We will seriously consider (the possibility) in a concrete and realistic manner," Takaichi told a parliamentary session.
Takaichi told parliament earlier in the month, "Nothing is decided at this point" on how Japanese submarines should be powered.
Japanese law limits the use of nuclear power to peaceful purposes, and past administrations have maintained that it cannot be used to power submarines operated by the SDF.
Japan has long maintained three non-nuclear principles prohibiting the possession, production or introduction of nuclear weapons on its territory.
During a session of the House of Representatives, Takaichi said the SDF has limited intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities in the Pacific, calling it an "urgent" task to beef up the country's defenses.
The prime minister said the government will also take into account developments regarding nuclear-powered submarines in partner countries such as Australia and South Korea. Australia has decided to acquire such vessels.
An idea has emerged within the government to make mention of nuclear-powered submarines as an option to enhance deterrence, when Japan updates its key documents on defense and security later this year, sources familiar with the matter said earlier.
