Japan Plans to Expand Satellite Surveillance Network

According to a report by Reference News Network on September 8, the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported on September 6 that in order to enhance the effectiveness of its counterstrike capabilities (using long-range missiles to incapacitate the enemy's combat capabilities), the Japanese government has begun researching the expansion of its "satellite constellation" (a system of multiple satellites operating in coordination to track and detect targets) to a network of over 100 satellites. This move aims to strengthen the "long-range vision" capabilities necessary for target identification, thereby enhancing deterrence. This policy will be explicitly included in the "Three Security Documents" scheduled for revision within this year.

Several government and ruling party officials have disclosed this information. The Ministry of Defense aims to significantly increase the number of satellites (currently planned to be several dozen) to enhance the identification capabilities for mobile targets such as ships and Transporter Erector Launchers (TEL), and to improve tracking accuracy. The information collected will also be used for maritime surveillance, aiming to strengthen the defense posture on the Pacific side, which currently lacks warning radar.

Japan currently primarily relies on U.S. military satellite data to detect mobile targets, but establishing an independent satellite network has become an urgent priority.

According to existing plans, a surveillance network composed of several dozen satellites is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2027. The related action plan will continue until the end of fiscal year 2030, with the Ministry of Defense listing 283.2 billion yen (approximately 1.8 billion USD) for related expenses in the initial budget for fiscal year 2025. The surveillance network composed of over 100 satellites is planned to be constructed in subsequent plans starting in fiscal year 2031, and the government is currently coordinating to more than double the related budget based on the existing plan.

Strengthening the satellite network is crucial for fully utilizing the effectiveness of "standoff missiles" (missiles that can strike from outside the enemy's range). In March of this year, the Self-Defense Forces deployed the "Type 25 Ship-to-Ground Missile" with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers in Kumamoto Prefecture. Additionally, the Aegis-equipped destroyer "Kirishima," capable of launching U.S.-made "Tomahawk" cruise missiles with a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers, returned to the port in Nagasaki Prefecture in late August after completing necessary modifications.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense also plans to establish a surveillance network capable of detecting and tracking hypersonic glide vehicles. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)