Japan to Rename Air Force as 'Air and Space Self-Defense Force' by 2026
The Japanese government plans to restructure and rename its Japan Air Self-Defense Force as the Air and Space Self-Defense Force in fiscal year 2026, according to a recent report by Nihon Keizai Shimbun. This move formally designates outer space as an operational domain for Japan's Self-Defense Forces, marking the first name change since 1954. The planned expansion has raised concerns among the Japanese public and opposition parties about military expansion, increased defense spending, and the potential for a space arms race. The relevant legislation is currently under deliberation in the National Diet.
In a significant shift in defense policy, the Japanese government plans to restructure and rename the Japan Air Self-Defense Force as the Air and Space Self-Defense Force in fiscal year 2026, according to a report by Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
This move formally designates outer space as one of the operational domains of the Self-Defense Forces, expanding the scope of Japan's security activities.
If approved by the National Diet, where the relevant legislation is currently under deliberation, this would mark the first change to the name of Japan's Self-Defense Forces since the establishment of the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces in 1954.
Expansion of Space Operations Capabilities
Japan has been gradually building its space operations capabilities over the past few years. The force originated as the Space Operations Squadron in 2020 with only about 20 personnel. It was reorganized into the Space Operations Group in 2022, and in March 2026, it was further expanded to 670 personnel. The government now expects to upgrade the unit again within fiscal year 2026 to staff around 880 personnel.
According to the report, the government's intention is to formally designate outer space as an operational domain, which it views as an important milestone in the outward expansion of Japan's security concept, rather than merely a change of name.
Public and Political Concerns
The planned expansion has raised concerns among the Japanese public. In comment sections under relevant news reports, many Japanese netizens have questioned the government's ongoing expansion of security domains and increases in defense spending, arguing that such measures would squeeze funding for public welfare and place a heavier burden on citizens.
During a recent parliamentary debate, Tomoko Tamura, chair of the Japanese Communist Party, argued that the move would formally assign the Self-Defense Forces a space combat mission, bringing outer space into the realm of military competition and potentially accelerating a space arms race.
As Japan continues to expand its defense capabilities into new domains, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments affect regional security dynamics and global space governance.
