A network of 50 small satellites working together in space will be developed for Japan's defense. The first of these satellites is expected to be launched as soon as fiscal 2024, in line with the possession of counterattack capabilities to strike enemy missile launch sites for the purpose of self-defense, according to several government officials.
The government and the ruling coalition are in the final stage of discussions to specify the possession of counterattack capabilities in the three documents that will be finalized by the end of this year: the National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines and Medium Term Defense Program.
