Submarine acquisition in Japan

Abstract

Japan has had considerable experience in submarines operations. A historical review of this experience suggests many lessons for contemporary policy makers operating in a challenging strategic context of increased tension in the South and East China Seas, an assertive North Korea, and rising tension between China and the USA. For many years, Japan has presented a model for regular and sustainable submarine acquisition, but now it faces new challenges as it responds to the naval rise of China. One of Japan's responses is to make their hard-won expertise more widely available to possible partners in Southeast Asia.