Japan deploys 'satellite constellation' to ensure missile effectiveness

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Japan’s parliamentary vice-minister of defence, Youhei Wakabayashi, said that the country’s information-gathering satellite system, the ‘satellite constellation’, has been operational since April, to ensure the effectiveness of long-range missiles used as part of Japan’s ‘counter-attack capability’.

As reported by Kyodo News on Thursday, Wakabayashi made the statement during a Cabinet Committee meeting in the Japanese House of Councillors.

Analysts say the ‘satellite constellation’ functions like an ‘eye’ for long-range missiles, helping to identify and monitor targets.

On 31 March this year, Japan officially deployed the upgraded Type 12 ground-to-ship guided missile in Kumamoto Prefecture.

With a range of about 1,000 kilometres, the missile is capable of reaching areas far beyond Japan’s territorial limits and has a clear offensive capability. This move continues to raise concerns and strong opposition in Japan.