Japanese satellites to track hypersonic weapons
Japan could cooperate with the US on the latter’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor. (Northrop Grumman)
As China's military fields hypersonic glide vehicles, Japan is seeking to use satellites to detect and track them.
Japan’s MoD budgeted JPY170 million ($1.5 million) for early-stage research into satellite constellations in its FY2021 budget. The future constellation will track hypersonic weapons that are hard for current ballistic missile defence systems to detect.
Multiple Japanese microsatellites in low orbit will monitor targets one after the other to achieve continuous monitoring. Even if one satellite loses functionality, other satellites will be able to step in.
In recent years, the vulnerability of expensive satellites has become an issue. They increase space debris, and some nations are developing attack methods to neutralise them, such as killer satellites, anti-satellite missiles and laser
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost]()
F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost
The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
