Photo © https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Operations_Group
The second part of this article highlights the evolution of Japanese defense policy that made the space intelligence sharing agreement with Ukraine possible.
Japanese Geopolitical Transformation: Reaffirming the Break with Post-War Pacifist Doctrine
For Japan, this partnership represents an additional step toward a progressive but fundamental break with its post-war doctrine.
Since 1945, Tokyo had until recently maintained a policy of strict limitations on arms exports and, moreover, on intelligence sharing. This pacifist stance, a pillar of its international identity, is now giving way to a more proactive approach regarding the defense of its interests in the Indo-Pacific zone.
Several factors explain this evolution, such as rising tensions in this region. Since the signing in July 2024 of the strategic partnership treaty between North Korea and Russia, fears of destabilization in Northeast Asia have particularly intensified.
Japan’s growing integration into the Quad alliance with the United States, Australia, and India also normalizes more active security cooperation. The war in Ukraine has simultaneously and paradoxically demonstrated the interconnection of European and Asian security theaters, making Japan’s traditional pacifist posture de facto increasingly obsolete.
This transformation is concretely reflected in major legislative reforms.
In 2025, Japan began lifting its prohibitions on dual-use space technologies, paving the way for defense exports and partnerships. Faced with this increase in tensions on the international scene, Japan is indeed betting on the combination of civilian and military technologies to rapidly modernize its armed forces and strengthen its national security,. To be noted: this year’s record defense budget of 8.7 trillion Yen (53.7 billion Euros) is up 9.4% from last year (1).
The Japanese government has clearly emphasized the integration of civilian innovation (particularly space-based) into its defensive strategy and wants to rely on its private sector to rapidly strengthen its military and space capabilities in general. Japanese industrial policy therefore now encourages partnerships and exports in the space domain, after a long period of prohibitions and restrictions on these technologies.
At the same time, the government plans to modify the Space Activities Law. This amendment aims to facilitate the expansion of commercial and technological activities, particularly in defense-related applications. It should allow private companies to explore new means of space transportation and strengthen orbital surveillance systems and satellite management.
In addition to willing to provide a modern legislative framework adapted to the growth of the nation’s space industry and national security, Japan has also established since 2023 a space operations unit within its JASDF( Japan Air and Space Defense Forces). Its main mission is the protection, surveillance, and resilience of national civilian and military satellites against threats, such as anti-satellite capabilities of hostile nations. This unit, installed at Fuchu base, marks the most significant step toward the militarization of Japanese space domain and the pursuit of national autonomy in C4ISR capabilities (command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) (2).
(By Murielle Delaporte)
Notes
(1) Fpr more information on this issue: https://www.dsei-japan.com/news/dual-use-technologies-take-centre-stage-dsei-japan-2025
(2) See in particular: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2025/7/japans-basic-policy-2025-strengthens-space-industry ; https://www.atalayar.com/fr/articulo/societe/japon-fuerza-espacial-minimalista-proteccion-ataques-china-rusia-corea/20201015124554147953.html