Could Japan be gearing up to equip its already formidable submarines with long-range strike systems and cutting-edge power sources?

That's what an expert panel has recommended to help boost deterrence as security tensions in Asia run high and Tokyo¡¯s neighbors rapidly upgrade their military capabilities.

Established in February last year to review the progress of revisions to Japan¡¯s key security documents, the panel has used a recent report to call for the development of submarines armed with ¡°long-range missiles¡± that can be launched vertically.