US Space Force leaders engage with allies in Japan

10 December 2024

From Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt,

Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir met with Japanese counterparts about the growing importance of U.S. -Japan cooperation in the space domain, serving as a prelude to the historic activation of the U.S. Space Force unit in Japan.

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The commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific engaged with several Japan Air Self-Defense Force officials during a series of meetings at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the Ministry of Defense, and the JASDF Space Operations Group, Dec. 2.

Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir met with Japanese counterparts about the growing importance of U.S. -Japan cooperation in the space domain, serving as a prelude to the historic activation of the U.S. Space Force unit in Japan.

“Together we will remain committed to ensuring the continuous, safe, secure, and sustainable use of outer space for current and future generations,” Mastalir said. “These partnership efforts send a message, the U.S. and Japan alliance is stronger than ever, and we are ready to defend on land, in the air, in the maritime domain, and now in the space domain.”

During the engagements, Mastalir addressed shared challenges and opportunities in the evolving space environment with meetings focused on advancing bilateral initiatives such as enhanced space situational awareness, improved interoperability, and collaborative mission planning.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Takahiro Kubota, Air Staff Office Defense Planning and Policy Department director general, and U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, shake hands prior to a Space Force engagement at the Ministry of Defense building in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. The discussion centered on activation initiatives and strengthening bilateral cooperation in space operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Masaki Oyama, Director General Operations and Intelligence Department, Air Staff Office, and Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, shake hands prior to a Space Force engagement at the Ministry of Defense building in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. The discussion centered on activation initiatives and strengthening bilateral cooperation in space operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Takahiro Kubota, Air Staff Office Defense Planning and Policy Department director general, and U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, Commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, as well as other guardians, engage in a discussion during a Space Force engagement at the Japan Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. A U.S. flag and Japanese flag placed on the table between them symbolize the partnership and cooperation in space operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)

U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, participates in a preparatory meeting ahead of key discussions at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. The engagements focused on activation initiatives and strengthening Space Force cooperation within Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)

Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, participates in a preparatory meeting ahead of key discussions at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. The engagements focused on activation initiatives and strengthening Space Force cooperation within Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)

As part of the engagements, U.S. Space Force officials also toured the JASDF Space Operations Group headquarters. The visit emphasized the importance of leveraging the strengths of both nations to further develop integrated space operations.

By expanding collaboration in space, the U.S. and Japan continue to build a foundation for enduring stability and prosperity in the region, ensuring the security of shared interests well into the future.