YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — U.S. Space Force Guardians assigned to the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron engaged with over 70 Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel from the Space Operations Wing, Air Intelligence Wing and Air Tactics Development Wing at Fuchu Air Base and Yokota Air Base, Japan, August 4-5, 2026.
The engagement provided JASDF personnel an insight on how U.S. Space Force units prepare to operate in a contested space environment while exchanging operational perspectives between the two forces.
The 527 SAS shared its mission and experience preparing forces for contested space operations, including demonstrations on how electromagnetic interference can affect space-enabled capabilities and approaches to detecting, characterizing, mitigating and reporting interference.
“Interoperability starts with developing a shared understanding of how each force operates,” said U.S. Space Force Maj. Rafael Fermin, U.S. Space Forces-Japan director of partnerships and analysis. “By exchanging operational concepts, terminology, and approaches to operating in a contested environment, our forces gain a better understanding of how we can train, plan, and ultimately operate together.”
The 527 SAS teaches and replicates electromagnetic tactics, techniques and procedures to mimic the attacks of an adversary, so that units can be more equipped in identifying and defending themselves against enemy interference. A method of this involves using GPS jammers, which interfere with the ability for aircraft pilots to navigate correctly.
The engagement brought together JASDF space operations, intelligence and tactics development communities, connecting different mission perspectives as Japan continues developing its space capabilities and future space aggressor unit.
“Each different wing plays an important role in preparing forces for contested operations,” Fermin said. “The engagement provided an opportunity to connect those perspectives as JASDF continues advancing its space capabilities and developing its own space aggressor unit.”
The exchange also allowed the two forces to share lessons learned and discuss approaches suited to their respective operational requirements.
“Direct engagement allows our organizations to exchange lessons learned and operational perspectives as JASDF continues developing its space capabilities,” Fermin said. “These exchanges allow JASDF to consider lessons from U.S. Space Force experience while developing approaches suited to its own requirements and contribute to our broader objective of increasing U.S. and Japan space interoperability.”