TOKYO: Japan’s military is reportedly considering the adoption of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, according to unnamed government sources cited by the Yomiuri newspaper.
The Japan Ministry of Defence is said to be testing the technology with plans to potentially implement it in the next fiscal year.
While the ministry already has access to communication satellites in geostationary orbit, incorporating Starlink’s constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit would provide an additional layer of capability.
This move comes as countries worldwide are seeking to enhance their resilience against potential disruptions in communication during conflicts or attacks on satellites.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been conducting tests of Starlink since March, with deployment in approximately 10 locations and training exercises.
The defence ministry has not yet provided official comments on the matter. Starlink technology has also been deployed by Ukraine in military operations, while Russia has attempted to block its use in the region.
Elon Musk previously stated that SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, could not sustainably fund the service’s operations in Ukraine.
Additionally, the US Defense Department recently announced a contract to utilize Starlink services in the United States.
