The Yomiuri newspaper said Japan's Defense Ministry already has access to communications satellites in geostationary orbit, but using Starlink technology operated by SpaceX would add a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off carrying 53 Starlink internet satellites, from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, US on May 18, 2022. Photo: REUTERS
Countries around the world are looking to build resilience against the threat of communications jamming or satellite attacks in the event of conflict.
The newspaper said the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March, with the system deployed at about 10 locations and during training.
Starlink technology is being deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine, and Russia is trying to block its use in the region. Musk said in October that SpaceX could not afford to indefinitely fund Starlink's use in Ukraine.
The US Department of Defense said this month it had signed a contract to provide Starlink services there.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters)
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