Space
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Global Commons
South Korea launches second reconnaissance satellite amid tensions with North Korea
The Associated Press South Korea recently launched its second reconnaissance satellite, days after North Korea reaffirmed its plan to launch multiple spy satellites in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the reconnaissance satellite, which launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, entered orbit and communicated with an overseas ground station. With the early April…
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Features
Alliances and Partnerships
Dr. Alfred Oehlers/Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies Photos by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS We often hear that alliances and partnerships are a vital asset. These relationships distinguish the United States from its competitors. They also confer decisive advantages, especially at crucial moments. As the U.S. faces future challenges, it likely will again turn to Allies and Partners for…
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Global Commons
Japan’s rocket launch, moon landing boost space ambitions
Felix Kim Japan further elevated its status as a spacefaring nation with the launch of its next-generation H3 rocket in mid-February 2024 and by becoming the fifth country to achieve a lunar landing a month before. The milestones support Japan’s strategic objectives, including in defense, by showcasing technological prowess and contributing to a deterrence posture in space. Japan’s Smart Lander…
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Northeast Asia
Keen Edge 24 sharpens Australian, Japanese and U.S. defense skills
FORUM Staff Australian Defence Force (ADF), Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and United States military personnel strengthened joint operational capabilities, refined command and control procedures, and enhanced interoperability during Keen Edge 24. Participants in the early February 2024 command post exercise, part of an annual bilateral series that alternates with Keen Sword field training exercises, used computer simulations to rehearse…
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Global Commons
Japan boosts surveillance capabilities in response to North Korea’s spy satellite launch
Marc Jacob Prosser North Korea’s recent deployment of a spy satellite has stirred geopolitical tensions and raised security concerns for Japan and its partners, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida describing the launch “as a clear violation of the relevant United Nations resolutions.” In the wake of Pyongyang’s launch, Japan sent a surveillance satellite into orbit in mid-January 2024. Tokyo…
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Global Commons
South Korea bolsters defense satellite capabilities, deterrence against North
Felix Kim South Korea is enhancing its military communications capabilities and monitoring of the North Korean regime’s nefarious activities with a recent agreement to enable the use of low Earth orbit (LEO) civilian communications satellites for military purposes and the launch of Seoul’s first domestically developed surveillance satellite. The new capabilities, which included assistance from the United States, promise to…
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Global Commons
Global concern over PRC’s space militarization drives push for new rules
Maria T. Reyes As the People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to threaten assets in the space domain with antisatellite capabilities and other technologies, nations including Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States are calling for governing standards for the use of space. Tokyo and Washington also are collaborating to deter PRC militarization of space. “In addition to the…
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Global Commons
India’s moon landing, arms deals signal new ambition
Mandeep Singh India, the world’s largest democracy and, as of 2023, its most populous country, is pursuing a set of ambitious programs, policies and defense partnerships as illustrated by two recent developments: the nation’s historic moon landing and its expanding arms cooperation with partners such as France and the United States. In August 2023, India became the first country to…
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Global Commons
U.S. exploring potential space force hotline with PRC
Reuters The United States Space Force has had internal discussions about establishing a hotline with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to prevent crises in space, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, the force’s commander, said in late September 2023. The chief of space operations said a direct line of communication between the Space Force and its PRC counterpart would be valuable…
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Features
Modern Militaries, Reinforced Alliances
FORUM Staff Technology is strengthening militaries tasked with maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Rapidly modernizing nations are transforming arsenals with advancements from cutting-edge aircraft and game-changing submarines to unmanned vehicles, space awareness tools and cyber defense upgrades. Meanwhile, security partnerships are encouraging scientific cooperation among like-minded militaries, and leaders are relying on the power of regional alliances to…
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