Japan to boost submarine fleet

The Japanese Defence Ministry has decided to expand the Maritime Self-Defence Force’s (MSDF) submarines from the current 16 units to 22, Kyodo News reported, citing defence ministry and MSDF officials. The plan, scheduled to be compiled in December, is part of Japan’s basic defence program for fiscal 2011 to 2015 and aims to reinforce its vigilance capacity in nearby waters, said the report.