Japanese media cited sources saying the government is considering language in revised security papers to 'launch research on introducing nuclear-powered submarines.' The proposed wording would likely stop short of presuming ownership, instead framing the item as a future research-and-discussion entry point. Inclusion would enable the government to begin investigative studies. A ruling-party official said phrasing such as 'repeated study and discussion' would permit public simulation of operation

Japanese media cited sources saying the government is considering language in revised security papers to 'launch research on introducing nuclear-powered submarines.' The proposed wording would likely stop short of presuming ownership, instead framing the item as a future research-and-discussion entry point. Inclusion would enable the government to begin investigative studies. A ruling-party official said phrasing such as 'repeated study and discussion' would permit public simulation of operational use and cost calculations. Prime Minister TAKAICHI has pushed revisions to the security documents and seeks to modify Japan's three non-nuclear principles. Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi have said discussion of possessing nuclear-powered submarines should not be ruled out, drawing domestic and international criticism.