The United States military maintains a significant presence in Japan, and as of September 2022, there were 53,973 active-duty U.S. personnel stationed on the island nation. According to U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), there are 120 U.S. military facilities mostly dispersed across Honshu, Kyushu, and Okinawa – with the latter island being home to around 70% of the bases, which is why it continues to be known as the “Keystone of the Pacific.”
In July, the Pentagon also announced that USFJ would be upgraded to a “joint operational headquarters.”
On Wednesday, the United States Space Force – which was officially created five years ago this month as the sixth and newest branch of the U.S. military – launched its first unit in Japan. The U.S. Spaces Forces Japan is now a field component under U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific and is subordinated to the USFJ. It will work in cooperation with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF’s) military Space Operations Group.
This follows the creation of a similar component established at South Korea’s Osan Air Base in 2022.
Small Beginnings
The New U.S. Space Forces Japan won’t significantly increase the U.S. presence on the home island of Honshu, however, as it will have a staff of 10 Guardians – all of whom will be stationed at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo.
According to a report from The Japan Times, the newly created unit will boost deterrence and improve coordination to respond to advanced space technologies and threats from such rivals as China, Russia, and North Korea.
“U.S. Space Force Japan will serve as the focal point for deepening collaboration and synchronization between the United States and Japan in national security,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of the U.S. Space Force Indo-Pacific.
A Pivotal Moment
During the ceremony to mark the creation of the unit component on Wednesday, U.S. Forces Japan chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost said it is a pivotal moment in the U.S.-Japan alliance.
“Our two nations have long stood as leaders in peaceful space innovation and exploration, and with today’s activation, we will further deepen both our leadership prowess and our partnership when it comes to space,” Jost explained. As we move forward, we will continue to seek out opportunities to integrate the space domain into our deterrence efforts.”
Jost further acknowledged the threat from the aforementioned regional rivals. There have been reports that North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine – including the sending of thousands of combat troops – could signal that Moscow will repay Pyongyang by working closely on its space program efforts. Likewise, Moscow and Beijing are already believed to have been cooperating to develop weapons that could destroy an adversary’s satellite in orbit.
“Whether it is enhancing satellite communications, accelerating space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, assuring precision navigation, or bolstering missile defense capabilities, our commitment is clear,” Jost added. “We will work hard side by side with our Japanese allies to capitalize on the opportunities, and meet the future challenges, in the space domain.”
The Japan Times also reported that Tokyo is planning to change the name of its de facto air force to the Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force (JASSDF), while it will also launch its first space domain awareness (SDA) satellite in 2026. It follows other satellite launches.
“This year, Japan has launched multiple optical and radar intelligence-gathering satellites and capped off the year with the launch of Kirameki 3, yet another military communications satellite aboard the newest generation H3 rocket,” said Mastalir.
It was a year ago that Japan joined the Combined Space Operations initiative, a multinational partnership to improve coordination in space.
The Fifth Anniversary of the Space Force
As noted, this month marks the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Space Force, the first new branch of the U.S. Armed Services to be established in 73 years.
Its primary mission is to “secure our nation’s interest in, from and to space.” It will soon help do so from Japan.
