Photo: SpaceX
Japan’s Coast Guard is preparing to adopt SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in a move aimed at strengthening its communications infrastructure amid growing regional tensions — reports Nikkei Asia.
The plan will see 66 large patrol vessels equipped with Starlink in fiscal year 2025, which runs until March 31, with an additional 16 vessels following the next year. These ships are tasked with patrolling waters near the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands, which are also claimed by China. In the future, the Coast Guard’s four hydrographic survey vessels — responsible for mapping seafloor topography — will also integrate the service.
Japan’s government implemented a new policy in December 2022 to bolster the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities as Chinese vessels continue routine incursions near the Senkakus. For fiscal 2025, 4.26 billion yen (roughly $29 million USD) has been earmarked for strengthening communications systems, including the installation of Starlink, new encrypted communications equipment, and research into potential cyberattack countermeasures.
This decision comes just over two years after reports that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces were exploring the possibility of using Starlink for land, sea, and air communications. More recently, Japan’s Defense Ministry released new space defense guidelines, warning of the risk posed by Chinese and Russian anti-satellite weapons. Diversifying communications infrastructure, with Starlink as one layer of redundancy, ensures resilient connectivity during emergencies.
Starlink has already proven its utility in Japan. Early last year, the service supported recovery efforts after the Reiwa 6 Noto Peninsula earthquake by helping restore communications in affected areas. Japanese airline Zipair has also adopted Starlink to power its in-flight Wi-Fi, underscoring the system’s growing presence across both civilian and government sectors.
As governments and defense organizations around the world increasingly prioritize reliable, low-latency satellite communications, SpaceX’s Starlink continues to emerge as a popular contingency or even primary solution. Japan’s Coast Guard adopting Starlink marks another example of its expanding role in critical national infrastructure.
