[The Air Self-Defense Force becomes the 'Air and Space Self-Defense Force'! Why the 'Space Force-ization of Air Forces' is progressing worldwide]

*This article is structured for clarity based on Yahoo News.
A URL is also attached at the end of the article.

As a historic turning point that will significantly reshape the nature of modern warfare and security, the Air Self-Defense Force

will be reorganized into the 'Air and Space Self-Defense Force' within this fiscal year (fiscal year 2026).

This follows the passage and enactment of amendments to the Ministry of Defense Establishment Act and other laws in the Diet in June 2026,

marking the 'greatest reorganization since its founding' for the ASDF, which boasts a 72-year history since its inception in 1954.

Why is the 'Space Force-ization of Air Forces' becoming a major trend not only in Japan but all over the world right now? We will clearly unravel the background and global trends.

Why has space become a 'battlefield'?

When we hear 'space development,' we tend to imagine rocket launches and grand scientific exploration, but

its history was originally closely linked to the development of ballistic missiles.

In the modern era, outer space is itself a 'critically important infrastructure' that fundamentally supports military operations.

Starting with the GPS we use daily, various satellites like the following have become indispensable in the military sphere as well.

Early warning satellites:
Instantly detect ballistic missile launches by enemy nations.

Positioning satellites (GPS, etc.):
Guide weapons and troops to precise targets.

Communications satellites:
Connect troops around the world with long-distance communication in real time.

Reconnaissance satellites: Grasp enemy situations and the movements of military facilities from above.

Furthermore, there are now many countries that possess 'anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)' to destroy or neutralize these satellites themselves.

It is no exaggeration to say that we are in an era where 'whoever controls space controls all combat on land, at sea, and in the air.'

Japan's step-by-step progress in space defense

The Air Self-Defense Force's efforts toward space did not begin suddenly.

In recent years, the organization has been expanded in stages.

May 2020:
The 'Space Operations Squadron' was established

After that:
Expanded in scale to the 'Space Operations Group'

As of August 2026:
Operating as the 'Space Operations Wing,' carrying out missions such as space surveillance and Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

This reorganization into the 'Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force' serves to institutionally clarify the reality that these space missions have become

inseparable from air operations.

The change in the organization's name reflects the fact that, in addition to land, sea, and air, cyber, electromagnetic, and 'space' have become major operational domains.

The wave of 'Space Force-ization of Air Forces' accelerating worldwide

This major trend is not unique to Japan.

In recent years, many countries have incorporated space into their air force organizations, changing their names and structures to 'Air and Space Forces'.

1. Countries that have reorganized into 'Air and Space Forces'

The number of countries treating space as an operational domain equivalent to air power, rather than as an extension of the air force, is increasing rapidly.

Russia (2015):
Following the establishment of the Space Forces in 2001, it launched a massive 'Aerospace Forces' that unified air defense, missile defense, and military satellite operations.

Israel (2006), Iran (2009):
Transitioned to an Air and Space Force structure early on in the Middle East.

France (2020), Spain (2022), Netherlands (2025):
Air and Space Forces have been established one after another in European countries as well.

Colombia (2023):
The movement to rename is also spreading in South America.

2. Countries that have established independent 'Space Forces'

On the other hand, some countries are taking the approach of creating a new, independent 'military branch' for space, rather than keeping it within existing air force organizations.

United States (2019):
Established the 'United States Space Force' as an independent military branch, while keeping it under the Department of the Air Force.

Specializes in space defense and satellite operations.

China (2024):
Established the 'Military Space Force (Aerospace Force)'.

Summary

Depending on the country, the style of 'reorganizing into an Air and Space Force' or 'creating an independent Space Force' varies

While there are differences in roles, there is only one common understanding.

That is the reality that 'space is no longer just a supporting domain that backs up air power from behind'.

Yahoo News URL

In an era where comprehensive space superiority, such as information from satellites, uninterrupted communication networks, and missile warning systems, determines a nation's defense capabilities.

The soon-to-be-established 'Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force' will be an extremely important first step for Japan to fully adapt to future defense systems.

End

We have finally entered the countdown stage for its inauguration.

As the times change, the Self-Defense Forces are also evolving, and I think it will no longer be the era of the hardships or being covered in mud that we experienced back then.

It will be interesting to watch the future developments of the Air and Space Self-Defense Force.

What do you expect from the future Air and Space Self-Defense Force, as well as the other branches of the Self-Defense Forces?

Please let me know in the comments.

Thank you for reading until the end.