In preparation for a possible malfunction in U.S. global positioning system (GPS) satellites, the government will likely start full-scale utilization of a quasi-zenith satellite system, or the Japanese version of GPS, by the Self-Defense Forces, government sources said.
With China and Russia's capabilities of attacking satellites enhancing, the move is aimed at enabling the SDF to obtain an alternative to GPS.
The quasi-zenith satellite system, which is based on original Japanese technology, sends radio waves from space to determine the position of any given location on Earth. Currently, four such satellites are in orbit.
A substitute function will be introduced to Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers as early as fiscal 2021, according to the sources.
It is indispensable for armed forces in every nation to use communications networks based on artificial satellites in conducting military activities. MSDF vessels greatly rely on GPS satellites to obtain location information necessary for defense and other activities.
"If the GPS satellites are attacked, it could paralyze SDF operations," a senior Defense Ministry official said.
Tracing out a figure-of-eight, each quasi-zenith satellite circles over Japan and Asia-Oceania areas. Four such satellites have been launched into space, and they were put into full operation last November. A total of seven such satellites will be in use by as early as fiscal 2023, making it possible to dispense with the U.S. global positioning satellite system in determining the position of any given location in areas surrounding Japan.
As a measure to precede the full utilization of the quasi-zenith satellites, the MSDF outfitted an equipment-laying vessel and a submarine rescue ship with receivers for radio waves from such satellites and is currently operating the equipment.
Based on this, the government will likely install similar receivers on four helicopter-mounted MSDF destroyers, including the Izumo-type one, as early as fiscal 2021. It is also considering a plan to install receivers on other destroyers, submarines, aircraft and helicopters.
The government also plans to consider how to enable the SDF and the U.S. forces in Japan to jointly use the quasi-zenith satellites.
These satellites can evade jamming and spoofing signals that target positioning systems because of proprietary Japanese technology that can conceal communications and encrypt radio signals.
In December, the government laid down a new five-year defense buildup program. The program included a plan to utilize the quasi-zenith satellites for national security.
Russia and China have formed units specializing in space-related activities. In 2007, China conducted a satellite-killing experiment using a ballistic missile. It is also making progress in the development of such weapons as a satellite capable of attacking satellites and jamming equipment.
In the new defense buildup program, the Japanese government stated a plan to newly introduce equipment capable of detecting electromagnetic interference in Japanese satellites, with a view to hurriedly reinforcing the nation's capability to protect SDF radio waves in space.
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