Yuku Fujikawa’s Post

A few thoughts about this article.... 1. Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) is a great tool that has opened the door for numerous partnerships around the world. It's especially good for starting and integrating our major non-NATO allies in places like South America and Europe. For example, last summer JCO was a major part of our ability to integrate our friends in South America and demonstrate how the unclassified tools are helpful in command and control of space forces deployed in theater. I was privileged to have JCO as the core C2 node of the first agile combat employment demonstration in SOUTHCOM along with commercial versions of EW assets. It's mobility was highlighted and was leveraged for exercise and real world applications. My Peruvian and other counterparts were thrilled. Hopefully we can continue to expand the integration with this concept. 2. As for "collective security" it is important to build the relationships necessary for such mobility of terrestrial based space capabilities. However, JCO alone, even with EW is insufficient to address the threats happening in space. It can provide SSA and the ability to aid in the protection of earth based assets and bases, but doesn't prevent the attacks in or from space. Not does it create the pretext for victory in a battle for space superiority. From my experience the efforts by Japan and France are good starts with addressing the space attack threats to our mutual critical space infrastructure. Building SSA and SDA capabilities are highly important. However, we must shift our mindset from terrestrial support mode to full combatant mode in from and to space. Space is a theater of war. It always has been. Now with the rapid buildup of space forces by China and Russia...it's only accelerating. France and Japan seem to understand this and are working on fielding their own combat space forces. South Korea is also seemingly interested in defending their own security in space. We must get beyond the idea that our adversaries build weapons but don't plan on using them against us and our friends. Recent history in Ukraine, Red Sea, South China Sea and in space and cyberspace...show this is not the case. The time for leadership in securing our strategic interests in space is now....in fact....it was yesterday. National Institute for Deterrence Studies https://lnkd.in/eWGtrtqX

Strengthening Space Security: Insights from the NATO Space Operations Commanders' Conference: NATO Allies from 23 nations and partners, Australia and Japan, convened for the second NATO Space Operations Commanders' Conference at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany on June 12-13, 2024. The conference, focused on Space Security and Space Warfare, underscored the importance of space as an operational domain for NATO since 2019. General James Hecker, Commander of Allied Air Command and Combined Force Space Component stressed the need for ongoing collaboration, cooperation, and information exchange to enhance space security. The NATO Space Operations Centre, staffed with a multinational team, coordinates Allied Space activities, supporting NATO missions by sharing critical information about potential threats. Colonel John Patrick highlighted the rapid evolution of space capabilities and technology, presenting both risks and opportunities. The conference, with over 100 participants, provided a platform to discuss key issues such as the Space Threat Environment, Security, and Policy. The interconnectedness of NATO Space Operations and the Artemis Accords strengthens these efforts. The Artemis Accords, guiding principles for space exploration and cooperation, align with NATO’s goals of ensuring the safe and peaceful use of space. By adhering to these accords, NATO and its partners reaffirm their commitment to transparency, interoperability, and responsible space use, crucial for both exploration and defense purposes. This coordinated approach ensures NATO can rapidly respond to emerging threats, promoting regional security and stability while advancing global space governance. https://lnkd.in/exTsgH_x #NATO #Space #SpaceOperations #SpaceExploration #SpaceDefense #ArtemisAccords

Earlier this month, the United States Space Force hosted military space leaders from 17 other countries in Colorado Springs at the annual Space Chiefs Forum. The event, which was organized by SAF/IA, is part of ongoing #USSF efforts to foster multinational collaboration that builds enduring operational advantages. First held in 2021, the Space Chiefs Forum is a key opportunity for global partners to collectively assess the space security environment, evaluate new cooperative concepts, and discuss steps that can be taken together to maintain the safety, stability, and long-term sustainability of the domain. "Cooperation between like-minded nations is essential to securing our collective interests in space," Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said. "This forum facilitates constructive dialogues, the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and the exchange of innovative ideas to help us tackle shared challenges and deepen our mutually beneficial partnerships." News release: https://lnkd.in/eFdERazY Joint statement from the participants: https://lnkd.in/e_iFpmBE #SecurityThroughCooperation #PartnerToWin #SpaceChiefsForum

🚀Exciting developments in the Department of Defense's space strategy! 🚀 The DoD is embracing a new approach that aims to integrate commercial efforts with military space operations. This shift recognizes the growing importance of space as a strategic domain and the need to leverage innovative technologies from the private sector. Key points of the new strategy: • Closer collaboration between DoD and commercial space companies • Focus on maintaining the U.S. edge in space capabilities • Accelerating the fielding of space systems and services for warfighters As we enter a new era of space exploration and utilization, it's crucial to adapt our approach. The DoD is restructuring and retooling its forces to meet the challenges of new warfighting domains and evolving competitors.What are your thoughts on this integration of military and commercial space efforts? How do you think it will impact the future of space operations and national security? #SpaceStrategy #DefenseTechnology #CommercialSpace

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the UK’s focus on enhancing its space capabilities is more crucial than ever. Insights from our senior executives during the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 shed light on this important development. Robert Lightfoot and Nik Smith emphasised the need for resilience in space infrastructure. This resilience ensures that both military and civilian services remain uninterrupted, safeguarding critical operations on Earth. The advancements in space technology not only bolster national defence but also enhance civilian applications, highlighting the interconnectedness of these domains. As the UK strengthens its position in space, it sets a precedent for other nations to follow. #ResillienceinSpace

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the US Space Force activating a unit in Japan to counter threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. This new unit, known as the United States Space Forces-Japan (USSPACEFOR-JPN), was established at Yokota Air Base and aims to enhance space security and long-term sustainability. The move reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare and the critical role of space in national defense strategies. Under the command of US Colonel Ryan Laughton, USSPACEFOR-JPN will support US Forces Japan by planning, integrating, and executing space security efforts in coordination with Japanese counterparts. The unit's establishment follows commitments made at the July 2024 Security Consultative Committee to strengthen bilateral coordination across domains, including cyber, space, and electromagnetic warfare. This development underscores the importance of robust space expertise to enhance joint warfighting capabilities and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

At the #NATO Space Symposium there were important discussions across NATO commands, nations, industry and academia on the growing importance of #space security. 🌐 The need for resilience, deterrence and defense in space will require collaboration across allies and industry sectors-- Aerospacelab is ready to support. Key takeaways: - Inoperability and multi-domain operations are essential for deterrence and defense - There is a critical need for enhanced space domain awareness - NATO will require partners across the commercial space sector to strengthen capability Did you attend this week? Share your thoughts here and connect with us. https://lnkd.in/eXnb5uX3

France Contemplates Strategic Alliance with US in Space Defense Initiative - France is currently weighing an invitation from US Space Command to join Operation Olympic Defender, an American initiative aimed at bolstering space defense and preventing hostilities. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has expressed that this potential partnership opens up new operational possibilities and conveys a message of strategic solidarity. However, France maintains that it will not relinquish operational control of its military space assets should it decide to participate. - For France, joining Operation Olympic Defender would signal its alignment with SPACECOM’s strategy, which encompasses both defensive and offensive measures to counter adversarial space capabilities in a conflict scenario. - https://lnkd.in/euSrEDmn

Our future in the space domain is about agility and adaptability. Unlike the other traditional operating domains, the space domain provides a unique set of challenges. Commander Space Command, MAJGEN Novak elaborated on this concept at the 17th Australian Space Forum hosted by @The Andy Thomas Space Foundation, sharing with representatives of Australian and international space industry and academia Space Command’s key focus areas following the release of the 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and 2024 Integrated Investment Program (IIP). Resilience and readiness are central to Defence’s approach to the space domain, and realisation of Defence’s Space Strategy. Under MAJGEN Novak’s guidance, Space Command is working to enhance how Defence operates in and through the space domain by focusing on integrating force operations, force generation, building our space workforce, modernisation and capability uplift. The NDS and the IIP amplify the initiatives and priorities for our space workforce, bringing a greater focus to the critical capabilities that they deliver for the ADF. Space remains a team sport - collaboration with industry and our allies and partners will continue to be a key part of delivering on our priorities, developing our space workforce, enhancing military relationships, and improving tactical interoperability. #SpacePower #SpaceDomain #17AustralianSpaceForum #17ASF #SpaceIndustry #SpaceInnovation #YourADF

U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S) hosted Ed Mornston, U.S. Space Force Deputy Director of Intelligence, at the S4S headquarters on Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Sep.18, 2024. Mornston received mission and intelligence briefs from the S4S Intelligence Directorate (S2) and received a tour of the Combined Space Operations Center operations floor. The S4S S2 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Directorate provides timely, accurate, relevant, and easily accessible intelligence to support decision-makers and warfighters. This intelligence is key to help shape the operational environment in, from, and to space in a way that benefits the interests of the United States and its #AlliesAndPartners. Mornston’s visit highlights the S4S’s critical mission of protecting national security interests in space and advancing the responsible and peaceful use of space. In the current era of Great Power Competition, threat information sharing and interagency interoperability are essential for enhancing collective understanding of adversary activities, enabling faster and more coordinated responses, and maximizing the effectiveness of collective capabilities and resources to present a unified front against shared adversaries, particularly China and Russia. #ProtectDefendDeliverConnect United States Space Force Space Launch Delta 30