U.S. Space Forces Commander Highlights Growing Chinese Space Capabilities, Strengthens Presence in Japan

China’s expanding military space capabilities pose an increasing threat to U.S. and allied forces, according to U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific Commander Anthony Mastalir. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mastalir highlighted China’s deployment of numerous satellites designed to locate, track, and target terrestrial assets, including aircraft carriers, completing what he described as a “long-range kill chain.”

Over the past decade, China has significantly increased its investment in military space technologies, including anti-satellite weaponry, Mastalir noted. These advancements underscore the strategic importance of safeguarding U.S. and allied interests in space.

In response to these challenges, the U.S. Space Force, established in 2019 to oversee satellite operations and space surveillance, is expanding its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. A new U.S. Space Forces-Japan headquarters will officially activate on Wednesday at Yokota Air Base, enhancing regional security and strengthening U.S.-Japan collaboration.

“This is absolutely critical to maintaining a secure, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific,” Mastalir said. The new component will bolster deterrence efforts and ensure operational readiness in the event of escalating competition or conflict.

Initially staffed by 10 “guardians,” the Yokota-based team will coordinate operations across Japan. Their mission includes integration with Japan’s own expanding space capabilities. By fiscal 2025, Japan plans to establish a space operations brigade, and by 2027, the Air Self-Defense Force will transition to the Air and Space Self-Defense Force.

Mastalir emphasized the importance of close coordination, noting that “integrated planning for both exercises and real-world operational planning is absolutely critical” to countering emerging threats. The collaboration aims to fortify the U.S.-Japan alliance and maintain a strategic advantage in the contested space domain.

This development highlights a shared commitment by the U.S. and Japan to uphold regional stability and address the growing militarization of space, a domain increasingly pivotal to modern security dynamics.