The Japanese military is evaluating Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service with the goal of adopting it next fiscal year, according to the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unnamed official sources.
The Ministry of Defense currently has access to geostationary communication satellites, but the usage of Starlink technology, run by Musk’s SpaceX, would add a network of satellites in low Earth orbit, according to the Yomiuri.
Countries all over the world are working to establish resilience against the danger of communications jamming or satellite attacks in the event of a conflict.
According to the newspaper, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March, with the system installed in roughly ten places and in training.
Outside of work hours, no one from the defense ministry could be reached for comment on the report.
Starlink technology is being deployed by Ukraine on the battlefield, and Russia is attempting to block its use in the region. Musk said in October SpaceX could not afford to indefinitely fund Starlink’s use in Ukraine.
The U.S. Defense Department said this month it had contracted to provide Starlink services there.
