Japanese information technology firm NTT Data has won a ¥4.7 billion (approx. A $41.5 million) Ministry of Defense (MoD) contract for trialling two-way communication between stand-off missiles and low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites, according to information recently released by Japan’s Acquisitions, Technology & Logistics (ATLA) agency.
According to the project’s 2024 Policy Evaluation Report, the trials will involve ground demonstration tests of a highly compact, missile-mounted communication device capable of selecting, acquiring, tracking and switching between LEO satellites, and facilitating two-way satellite-missile communication.
Key evaluation criteria for the project are demonstrating a capacity to enhance the control, guidance and survivability of high velocity missiles targeting beyond line-of-sight targets, while exhibiting low latency and reduced detectability.
The announcement was one of many satellite communication-related tenders awarded in March – the last month for which comprehensive tender data has been released by ATLA – following an emphasis on the use of satellites to enhance all-domain warfare capabilities in last July’s Space Domain Defense Guidelines.
March saw the MoD award 25 satellite communication-related tenders worth a combined total of roughly ¥143 billion (approximately $1.3 billion), including projects covering jamming detection/monitoring devices, satellite imagery transmission systems, navigation displays, receiver modules, aerial and naval satellite communication systems, and a big ticket “next-generation defence satellite communications” tender itself worth ¥124 billion (around $1.1 billion).
Mitsubishi Group was the major winner, securing over 90 per cent of tenders in terms of monetary value, on the back of leading a successful consortium bid for a lucrative build-own-operate (BOO) contract for an observation satellite constellation last December. NEC Corporation and Furuno Electric also secured several MoD contracts.
The information release also follows the publication of the Strengthening Defense Capabilities in the Space Domain document in May, which emphasised that strengthening Japan’s satellite arsenal will increase the all-domain capabilities of the Ground, Sea and Air Self-Defense Forces.
According to the report, Japan’s space defence base budget for 2026 is ¥218 billion (around $2 billion), with major projects for the year including the launching of a space domain awareness (SDA) satellite, the first stage deployment of the observation satellite constellation, and the deployment of a mobile satellite laser ranging (SLR) station.
Japan’s Space Operations Wing (part of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force) is also undergoing an overhaul, with staff increasing from 670 to 880 personnel, and five new units coming into operation, including new command, support, intelligence and battle groups.