Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has left open the possibility of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines by stating that Japan does not rule out possessing them.

Nuclear-powered submarines, which use a nuclear reactor as their power source, have a wide operational radius as they are capable of high-speed navigation for extended periods.

If actually acquired, Japan would take a step closer to transforming into a "nation capable of waging war."

According to Kyodo News on the 11th, Defense Minister Koizumi stated during a press conference regarding Japan's possession of nuclear-powered submarines that the government will review the matter "without ruling out various options" when discussing the revision of three security-related documents scheduled for later this year.

Regarding nuclear submarines, he said, "They are capable of prolonged submergence and possess speeds several times faster than conventional submarines," adding, "This makes it possible to engage in operations while ensuring the safety of crew members at a higher level."

He also noted, "Because nuclear propulsion systems are expensive, specialized expertise is required for continuous maintenance and operation."

Within Japan's right-wing circles, there have been persistent calls to strengthen defense capabilities by acquiring nuclear submarines.

In June, the right-leaning ruling coalition partner, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), released government proposals regarding the three security documents, arguing that Japan should also introduce nuclear submarines.

The argument is that acquiring nuclear submarines is essential to possess submarines capable of carrying long-range missiles and undertaking long-distance, long-term voyages.

The previous day, reports emerged that a U.S. Navy official expressed a positive view on arguments that Japan should consider acquiring nuclear submarines, noting that Japan possesses the foundational technology since it operates nuclear power plants.

Meanwhile, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force is expanding fighter jet exchanges with foreign nations, including its first deployment of F-2 fighter jets to India.

The Asahi Shimbun reported that the Air Self-Defense Force dispatched three F-2 fighter jets to a joint drill with India that began on the 9th.

The fighter jets departed from the Naha base in Okinawa on the 6th and flew 10,000 kilometers to India via Thailand.

Regarding this, Defense Minister Koizumi emphasized on the 8th that "the dispatch of fighter jets symbolizes the deepening of defense cooperation between Japan and India."

Last year marked the first time that Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets were dispatched overseas.

Four F-15 fighter jets were dispatched for two weeks to the United States, Europe, Canada, and other locations.

Particularly since the beginning of this year, the dispatch of foreign fighter jets to Japan has also been active.

In March and April, Dutch fighter jets visited Japan for the first time to conduct joint drills with Japan and the United States, and from the 15th to the 18th, four French Air Force fighter jets are scheduled to be dispatched to Japan to conduct joint exercises with the Air Self-Defense Force at the Hyakuri base in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Asahi explained that amid changes in the international situation, such as uncertainties surrounding the U.S. under the Trump administration and heightened vigilance against China, exchanges of fighter jets with foreign nations have increased over the past few years, with the intention of visibly demonstrating strengthened solidarity with distant allies.

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