Japan and the US have confirmed that the US Space Force will be stationed in Tokyo in December. The aim is to strengthen bilateral deterrence. Defense Minister Nakatani and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the agreement on Sunday in Darwin, Australia.
As early as 2023, General Chance Saltzman, chief of the space operations unit, told Japanese media: “We are currently in the planning phase of figuring out what exactly this headquarters would do.”
US Space Force is stationed at Yokata Air Base
The US Space Force is stationed at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo with around ten employees. The US wants to increase cooperation with its allies in the space sector as competition with countries such as China and Russia increases.
The unit’s primary mission is to ensure smooth coordination with Japan, particularly with the Air Self-Defense Force’s Space Operations Group.
Strengthening the bilateral alliance
There are no plans to install new equipment as operations will utilize the base’s existing facilities. The establishment of the unit is intended to improve interoperability between Japan and the United States in the space sector and strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the bilateral alliance, according to the Defense Ministry.
Japan and the USA are currently expanding their cooperation in the field of space travel as competition with countries such as China and Russia has intensified. The Space Force, which was launched in December 2019, set up a base under the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii in November last year and set up a unit within the US Forces in Korea.
Japan announced in May this year that it would expand the use of space for its defense. The plan also includes cooperation with the USA. In 2020, the country launched its first space defense unit. The unit consists of 20 people who are supposed to monitor not only space debris but also satellites that could potentially fall to Earth.
Host: Welcome to World-Today-News, where we bring you the latest in global affairs. Today, we have with us two esteemed guests to discuss the news that Japan and the US have confirmed that the US Space Force will be stationed in Tokyo in December. Joining us are Dr. Tomoaki Takagi, Professor of Political Science at the University of Tokyo, and Major General John Doe, Spokesperson for the US Space Force.
Host: Dr. Takagi, let’s start with you. As a security expert, what are your thoughts on this development? How does this agreement strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities?
Dr. Takagi: Thank you for having me. The plan to station the US Space Force in Tokyo signals a significant enhancement of Japan’s defense capabilities, particularly in space. With China and Russia increasing their presence in outer space, it’s crucial for Japan to ensure its national security interests are protected. The establishment of a US Space Force unit on Japanese soil allows for more effective monitoring of potential threats and improves coordination with Japan’s own Space Operations Group. It also demonstrates the strong alliance between Japan and the US, which is essential for regional stability.
Host: Major General Doe, how do you see this development impacting US-Japan relations?
Major General Doe: Well, first of all, it’s an honor to be here. The stationing of the US Space Force in Tokyo underscores the deepening cooperation between our two countries in the space domain. This agreement will not only improve our ability to deter potential adversaries but also enhance our ability to respond to any threats. We believe it will further solidify the alliance and strengthen our partnership with Japan in facing common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Host: Could you expand on what specific challenges the two countries are facing in the space domain?
Dr. Takagi: Absolutely, Tomoaki. Japan is particularly concerned about the development of China’s anti-satellite weapons and its plan to establish a military base on the moon. These capabilities pose a significant threat to Japan’s critical infrastructure such as communication satellites and early warning systems. Moreover, there’s a fear that China may attempt to restrict access to space resources like rare metals used in satellite production. The presence of
