Japan-EU, Reducing Dependence on the US to Establish 'Space and Defense Alliance'

【Tokyo=Kim Kyung-min Correspondent】 Japan and the European Union (EU) are expected to agree on a new alliance plan centered on satellite communication network cooperation at the summit to be held on the 23rd of this month. Both sides plan to jointly build a 'satellite constellation' by launching and operating multiple small communication satellites simultaneously, and establish a cooperative system through public-private linkage. This is a strategy to break away from the excessive dependence on private companies such as SpaceX in the United States.
The satellite constellation technology has the advantage of enabling high-frequency and high-precision observation, which is difficult to achieve with a single large satellite. Real-time communication is also possible, making it a key infrastructure for both Japan and the EU, which are promoting digital transformation (DX).
According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 13th, this summit will be held in Tokyo, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, are coordinating consultations with Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan. In addition to the declaration of cooperation for the joint satellite network construction, the cooperation plan also includes information sharing to complement the lack of climate and disaster-related data, standardization of major technologies, and setting norms.
The satellite industry is already led by the United States and China. In the United States, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, plans to build a mega satellite network connecting more than 40,000 satellites, while China aims to utilize more than 10,000 satellites. In contrast, the EU aims to build about 290 satellites, and Japan aims to build more than 5 satellite groups by the early 2030s using the government's space strategy fund, showing a large gap.
The background also includes the growing uncertainty of international cooperation in the space field under the "America First" policy of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Musk has previously warned of cutting off 'Starlink' satellite communication services to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.
This agreement also includes a plan to establish a defense industry dialogue jointly participated by the private and government sectors of Japan and the EU. It opens up the possibility of cooperation in the joint development of defense equipment along with strengthening the supply chain. The Japanese government plans to introduce its startups to European companies to expand business opportunities.
The draft of the joint document for the summit also specifies the intention to form a competitive alliance for technological innovation across strategic industries such as space, defense, environment, and digital.
President von der Leyen is also expected to discuss ways to expand free trade with Prime Minister Ishiba. In particular, a proposal will be made to establish new trade norms centered on Japan, the EU, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member countries.
The joint document related to the Indo-Pacific region is expected to include the phrase "confirming the importance of compliance with international law for peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific."

km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter