The United States Space Force is exploring the possibility of establishing a new unit in Japan, which underscores the growing importance of bilateral collaboration in space defense, particularly as China continues to advance its capabilities in this domain.
The Next Phase in Indo-Pacific Space Defense
General Chance Saltzman, the Chief of Space Operations for the US Space Force, revealed this development during a press conference held in Tokyo on Monday. He described the potential unit in Japan as the “next phase” in joint initiatives aimed at strengthening space defense across the Indo-Pacific region.
However, details about the location and specific functions of this unit remain in the planning phase. General Saltzman did mention that potential candidates for the location could include the Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.
A comprehensive “mission planning process” is underway to determine the unit’s size and other related considerations.
Regarding the timeline for the establishment of this unit, General Saltzman stated:
“We don’t have a timeline yet for establishment. But once we get the planning in place, we’ll be able to have a better sense of when that’s going.”
Expanding US Space Force Presence in Asia
The move comes as the US Space Force continues to expand its presence in the Asian region.
In November of the previous year, it set up a unit within the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), headquartered in Hawaii. This was followed by the creation of a subordinate unit in South Korea in December, demonstrating a concerted effort to bolster space defense capabilities in the region.
The rationale behind these developments lies in the increasing competition in the space domain, especially with nations like China and Russia ramping up their space capabilities.
General Saltzman emphasized the significance of partnerships between the US Space Force and Japan, characterizing them as “growing” and highlighting the role of collaborative capabilities in addressing the dynamic and increasingly perilous security environment in space.
“We will work together with Japan and other like-minded nations committed to establishing norms of responsible behavior and deterring conflict for the safety, security, stability, and sustainability of the space domain,” General Saltzman affirmed, cited by Reuters.
Established in late 2019, the Space Force emerged as a separate US military branch to address space-related security challenges and opportunities. It signifies America’s commitment to space leadership, safeguarding national assets and interests beyond Earth’s atmosphere in an era where space plays a critical role in modern warfare and technology.
Navigating Tensions Over Taiwan
Turning attention to the situation surrounding Taiwan, General Saltzman expressed concerns about China’s aggressive behavior.
While China views Taiwan as its own territory, he stressed the need for the US-China relationship to remain one of “competition” rather than escalating into one of “crisis or conflict.”
He proposed maintaining a “network of sensors” through a coalition of partners, allowing the United States and its allies to respond more rapidly to aggressive behaviors and control escalation.
Strengthening Bilateral Collaboration in Space
General Saltzman’s visit to Japan included a meeting with Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, during which they discussed further enhancing bilateral collaboration in outer space. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen combined space operations between the United States and Japan.
Notably, the first-ever Space Engagement Talks (SET) were held in July at Yokota Air Base between the US Space Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
These discussions built upon previous bilateral initiatives and included conversations about the potential utilization of Japan’s future deep space radar, avenues for enhanced collaboration in satellite communications, research, and development.
The leaders also explored opportunities for deepening interoperability through space education, training programs, joint exercises, and more.
As part of these efforts, General Saltzman visited Fuchu Air Base, where he met with Colonel Kimitoshi Sugiyama, the Commander of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Space Operations Group.
This group, established in March 2022, is responsible for Japan’s space domain awareness operations and represents another milestone in US-Japan space collaboration.
US-Japan Mutual Defense Extends to Space
The US and Japan have been steadily advancing their partnership in space.
In January, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, alongside their Japanese counterparts, reaffirmed their commitment to extending their mutual defense policy into space.
This means that an attack on the satellites of either country could trigger Article V of the US-Japan Security Treaty, allowing both nations to respond to the common danger, even on Japanese territory.
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The future establishment of a US Space Force unit in Japan marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to ensure the safety and security of the space domain in the Indo-Pacific region as nations navigate the complexities of space competition while striving for responsible behavior and conflict deterrence.
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