TOKYO, — May 18, 2026 : Japan’s Ministry of Defense has released a comprehensive new briefing outlining a major expansion of the country’s military space capabilities, including increased defense spending, organizational restructuring, satellite development programs, and deeper operational cooperation with allies.
The May 2026 document, titled “Strengthening Defense Capabilities in the Space Domain,” presents space as an increasingly contested operational environment and details how Japan plans to strengthen its ability to monitor, protect, and operate assets in orbit.
Space Operations Group Expansion
At the center of the expansion is the continued growth of the Space Operations Group within the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The organization, headquartered at Fuchu Air Base in Tokyo, is expected to reach approximately 880 personnel by the end of fiscal year 2026.
The force has expanded significantly since the creation of the original 20-member Space Operations Squadron in 2020. Personnel levels increased to approximately 670 members by the end of fiscal year 2025 as Japan accelerated the development of military space operations.
As part of the restructuring, the Air Self-Defense Force is scheduled to be renamed the Aerospace Self-Defense Force during fiscal year 2026 to reflect the growing role of space operations in national defense planning.
According to the ministry, the Space Operations Group will include three Space Operations Squadrons, a Space Support Unit, and a Space Intelligence Group. These units will oversee space situational awareness operations, satellite interference monitoring, intelligence collection, and operational support functions related to military space activities.
Rapid Increase in Space Defense Spending
The briefing shows a sharp increase in Japan’s space-related defense budget over the past several years.
Space defense spending reached approximately 174 billion yen in fiscal year 2026 on a contract basis. The ministry stated that spending increased from approximately 79 billion yen in fiscal year 2022 to around 540 billion yen in fiscal year 2025, reflecting the rapid pace of capability development and infrastructure expansion.
The funding increase supports satellite procurement programs, surveillance systems, launch infrastructure, and the establishment of new operational units dedicated to space missions.
Threat Assessment and Orbital Security Concerns
The Ministry of Defense briefing identifies the rapid growth of foreign military satellite capabilities as one of the primary drivers behind Japan’s expansion plans.
Citing Military Balance 2024 data, the document states that China’s military satellite fleet increased from approximately 40 satellites in 2012 to 237 satellites in 2024 across multiple mission categories.
The ministry outlined several threats it considers risks to Japanese and allied space assets, including:
- Physical co-orbital anti-satellite weapons
- Electronic jamming systems
- High-power microwave directed-energy systems
- Ground-based laser dazzling systems
- Cyber attacks targeting ground control facilities
- Anti-satellite missile systems
The briefing also highlighted the growing danger posed by orbital debris. According to NASA figures referenced in the document, more than 30,000 tracked objects are currently present in orbit. Japan’s Space Domain Awareness network now operates continuously to monitor collision risks and provide warnings to satellite operators.
Satellite Development Programs
Japan is simultaneously expanding domestic satellite programs intended to strengthen independent surveillance and tracking capabilities.
A constellation of information-gathering satellites is scheduled to begin operations during fiscal year 2026. Several private companies are participating in the effort through government-supported contracts.
QPS Research Institute is developing small satellites capable of onboard imagery processing and optical communications transmission.
IHI Aerospace and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are using the HTV-X cargo spacecraft platform to demonstrate infrared sensors designed for detecting and tracking hypersonic glide vehicles.
NTT Data is developing tactical AI satellites capable of integrating information from multiple data sources while supporting two-way communications with ground systems. Initial deployment is planned for fiscal year 2027.
Mission Assurance and Launch Capabilities
The Ministry of Defense has also initiated multiple programs focused on mission assurance and satellite resilience.
Canon Electronics is developing a multi-orbit observation satellite designed to monitor spacecraft operating from low Earth orbit through geostationary orbit.
Astroscale is conducting demonstrations involving rendezvous and proximity operations at geostationary altitude, along with optical communication data transfer between satellites.
Space One is developing an upgraded Kairos small launch vehicle equipped with methane-engine technology and configurable payload systems intended to support responsive launch operations for defense missions.
Expansion of Space Surveillance Infrastructure
Japan’s space surveillance infrastructure is also being expanded through new radar systems, monitoring equipment, and planned orbital assets.
The ministry confirmed that its Space Situational Awareness operations system has been operational since March 2023. Satellite interference monitoring equipment entered service in March 2024.
SSA radar systems, including a facility near Sanyo-Onoda in Yamaguchi Prefecture, became operational in March 2025. Additional laser ranging equipment is scheduled for deployment during fiscal year 2026.
A dedicated Space Domain Awareness satellite is also planned for launch during fiscal year 2026.
Cooperation With the United States and Allies
Japan’s military space expansion is being carried out alongside increased cooperation with allied nations, particularly the United States.
In December 2024, the United States established U.S. Space Forces Japan at Yokota Air Base, creating a permanent American military space presence in the country to improve operational coordination and interoperability.
During defense ministerial talks in March 2025, Japan and the United States confirmed cooperation on the development of a low Earth orbit satellite constellation focused on hypersonic glide vehicle detection and tracking.
The two countries are also continuing collaboration under the Protected Anti-Jam Tactical Satellite Communications (PATS) framework.
Japan has additionally expanded participation in multinational space security initiatives. The country joined the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) initiative in 2023 alongside the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
The Space Operations Group also joined the NATO-led multinational space exercise AsterX in 2024, increasing Japan’s participation in allied operational planning and military space exercises.
Current Capability Assessment
The Ministry of Defense briefing acknowledges that Japan currently remains behind several major space powers in dedicated military satellite capabilities.
According to figures included in the document, China currently operates 167 reconnaissance satellites, while the United States maintains 46 early warning satellites. Japan currently operates no dedicated military reconnaissance or early warning satellite constellations at a comparable scale.
The ministry identified commercial satellite constellations beginning operations in fiscal year 2026 as a near-term solution to narrow the capability gap. Future tactical AI satellite deployments and multi-orbit observation platforms are expected to support longer-term expansion plans.
The document describes the overall effort as part of Japan’s broader strategy to establish sustained operational capabilities in space while strengthening surveillance, resilience, and allied interoperability in response to evolving security challenges in orbit.
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