The Japanese government is weighing the full-scale development of unmanned submarines with anti-ship strike capabilities as part of efforts to address gaps in its Pacific defense posture.
The government is considering unmanned submarines that could carry torpedoes and sea mines for long-distance travel. Plans include autonomous models equipped with artificial intelligence. These vessels would operate alongside manned destroyers, submarines and unmanned surface vessels fitted with missile launchers.
The Defense Ministry has allocated 100.1 billion yen for fiscal 2026 under the SHIELD initiative. This program aims to repel attacks on remote islands using large numbers of unmanned vessels. Additional acquisitions are planned for small attack drones and intelligence-gathering underwater vessels.
The government also plans to consider an air defense identification zone over the Ogasawara Islands and deploy surveillance radars there plus on Kitadaito Island. A proposal exists to reinforce the runway on Iwoto Island to support more fighter jets. A senior Defense Ministry official stated that labor-saving and unmanned operations are essential for Japan's new way of fighting.
These steps follow criticism of defense gaps amid China's maritime activities. They come after remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaishi on a potential Taiwan contingency that strained bilateral ties.
