TOKYO: The Japanese Self-Defense Forces welcomes the launch on Wednesday of operations by the US Space Force’s Japan unit, Gen. YOSHIDA Yoshihide, chief of staff at the SDF’s Joint Staff, said on Thursday.

This is “extremely meaningful” in terms of serving as a liaison office between the SDF and the US Space Force, Yoshida said at a press conference.

“There are moves by countries to impede space use, including those related to communications,” he said, apparently referring to threats in the space domain from China, Russia and North Korea.

“Cooperation with the US Space Force is essential” in improving intelligence gathering and operational capabilities in space, he said.

JIJI Press