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18 SDS, JASDF strengthen SDA partnership

By Julian Labit, 18th Space Defense Squadron Public Affairs / Published April 26, 2023

U.S. military representatives from U.S. Space Command, Space Systems Command, Delta 2 and the 18th Space Defense Squadron post for a photo with member from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Space Operations Group at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, April 12, 2023. During the visit, participants discussed how they can implement best practices and lessons learned to further Space Domain Awareness data sharing and operational interoperability. (Courtesy photo)
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U.S. military representatives from U.S. Space Command, Space Systems Command, Delta 2 and the 18th Space Defense Squadron pose for a photo with member from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Space Operations Group at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, April 12, 2023. During the visit, participants discussed how they can implement best practices and lessons learned to further Space Domain Awareness data sharing and mission interoperability. (Courtesy photo)

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FUCHU AIR BASE, Japan -- Lt Col Matthew Lintker, 18th Space Defense Squadron (SDS) commander, and two other 18 SDS members met with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Space Operations Group members at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, April 8-14, 2023.

This opportunity aimed to reinforce relationships, enhance mutual understanding, and nurture a collaborative atmosphere between both organizations’ shared endeavors.

“International collaboration and allied partnerships are critical to a safe and secure space environment,” said Lintker. “We learned a great deal from our JASDF counterparts, and we're confident that this partnership will help us to better defend our shared interests in space. We look forward to continuing our work with the JASDF and other international partners to strengthen deterrence against hostile actors and evolving threats.”

The Space Operations Group is responsible for JASDF space domain awareness operations, and the visit helped to further SDA data sharing and mission interoperability with the 18 SDS.

The U.S.–Japan Alliance is a vital partnership that has helped to promote peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region for over 60 years.