Japan announces creation of space force in face of new threats

Japan’s prime minister has announced his country will create a space defence force, in an effort to protect it from technological threats.

Working closely with US President Donald Trump, the unit will protect Japan’s interstellar interests, such as satellites and rockets – rather than fighting cinematic-style battles across the galaxy as the name suggests.

Speaking on Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he wanted his country to defend itself from cyber threats, or from electromagnetic interference to its satellites.

There are growing fears that countries such as China and Russia are trying to find ways to disable and interfere with satellites, which could seriously disrupt global communications.

Japan’s Space Domain Mission Unit will begin work in April, and be added to an existing air base in Fuchu, close to Tokyo.

It will initially be staffed with 20 people, with a view to adding more people to the force over the course of the year.

Mr Abe’s government approved spending 50.6 billion yen (£354m) on the project at the end of 2019.

Read more via Sky News/ Japan Times/The Australian