As competition between the United States and China intensifies in space, Japan is treating space as a theater of war and reconsidering its space strategy, including revisions to the three national security documents. Some observers also say that coordination between satellite communications networks linking outer space and ground forces is forming the foundation for precision strikes.
As new approaches to warfare emerge, outer space is expanding as a domain of combat. Space systems, including satellites, are strengthening their role in identifying the positions and movements of enemies on the ground and linking their own forces with frontline units through satellite communications networks.
The importance of space communications using Starlink has drawn attention in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Observers say that government and military communications have been maintained, supporting command and control at the front and coordination between units.
At a March briefing, US Central Command Commander Cooper explained that the US Space Force plays an important role in military operations against Iran, including disrupting GPS use, while providing the US side with warning information and stable communications. Kato also pointed out that superiority in space is increasingly directly linked to superiority in military capability.
China's space capabilities are eroding the West's existing advantage. While the United States and its allies remain dominant, views have been expressed that China is intensifying its efforts to close the gap.