By Stephanie Dwilson | 2025-08-27

Japan's new "Space Domain Defense Guidelines" stress that access to space is "indispensable for the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese nationals," while warning the nation must prepare, lest certain countries threaten that access.

The 10-page document, issued July 28, begins by noting that space activities carried out by countries such as China and Russia highlight the need for Tokyo to increase its own defense capabilities in space.

"Some countries are stepping up the development of technologies to interfere with and neutralize the satellites of other countries to secure their own military superiority," the document warns.

This leads to "the development of space as a warfighting domain," it continues, going on to list a series of examples.

These include Chinese satellite constellations that allow for monitoring and tracking to support long-range strikes and communications, and Russia's use of civilian commercial and communications satellites during its invasion of Ukraine.

They include technologies that can neutralize other countries’ satellites, and the testing of direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles (DA-ASAT).

Tokyo's new space defense guidelines provide a policy framework for keeping up with international competition, and lay out a series of strategic space defense initiatives for Japan.

But they also outline the importance of supporting private space investments, collaborating with allies, and developing resilience within satellite systems.

Strategic initiatives

The guidelines identify four strategic initiatives needed to enhance space domain defense: battlespace awareness, next-generation satellite communications defense, mission assurance, and disrupting opponent capabilities.

In terms of battlespace awareness, one of Japan’s priorities is the real-time detection and tracking of moving targets.

This involves a multi-layered network of low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, along with using artificial intelligence (AI) to create "digital twins" for battlespace visualization.

The battlespace awareness initiative also highlights the importance of deepening cooperation with the United States.

A second pillar in Japan’s space defense approach involves developing next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) defense.

Goals include employing a high-frequency bandwidth resistant to jamming, installing large-capacity digital communication payloads for use with allied countries, and using tactical AI satellites to analyze large amounts of data.

They also include participation in protected anti-jam tactical SATCOM (PATS), a US-led framework for resilient communications.

Strengthening resilience

The mission assurance initiative calls for strengthening the resilience of the entire space domain system via various means, such as strengthening capabilities to detect threats to satellites sooner.

It includes enhancing satellite protection via identifying abnormalities, dealing with jamming attempts, and operating autonomous, highly maneuverable satellites.

It also includes enhancing response and recovery, including supplementing lost satellite function and shortening on-orbit checkout periods.

And it notes the need to strengthen resilience in cybersecurity, space-related ground-based facilities, and anti-jamming technology.

Tokyo's guidelines briefly mention a fourth goal that involves disrupting opponent capabilities that may pose threats, without going into further detail.

They conclude by emphasizing the importance of strengthening relationships with allies and working with the private sector to achieve space defense goals.

The guidelines for achieving these goals extend to 2035, with one of the first major steps -- establishing an Air and Space Self-Defense Force -- slated for completion by fiscal year 2027.