The Yomiuri newspaper said Japan's Defense Ministry already has access to communications satellites in geostationary orbit, but using Starlink technology operated by SpaceX would add a satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.

Countries around the world are looking to build resilience against the threat of communications jamming or satellite attacks in the event of conflict.

The newspaper said the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March, with the system deployed at about 10 locations and during training.

Starlink technology is being deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine, and Russia is trying to block its use in the region. Musk said in October that SpaceX could not afford to fund Starlink's use in Ukraine indefinitely.

The US Department of Defense said this month it had signed a contract to provide Starlink services there.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)