US and Allies strengthen space defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific

US and Allies strengthen space defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2024

In a demonstration of international collaboration, Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, Commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, recently emphasized the critical role of space operations in maintaining security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the Air and Space Forces Association's Warfare Symposium in Aurora on February 13, Mastalir joined a distinguished panel of senior leaders to discuss the pressing need to counter evolving air and space threats.

With over 4,000 attendees, the panel highlighted the imperative of thwarting adversaries' malign operations in space and campaigning for effective counterspace initiatives. "Space Force Guardians are there to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, to uphold the rules-based international order," Mastalir stated, underlining the vital importance of a cooperative framework that has promoted nearly 80 years of prosperity for participating nations.

The panel also featured U.S. Air Force Col. David J. Berkland, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces chief of staff; Japan Air Self Defense Force Col. Sugiyama Kimitoshi, Space Operations Group commander; and Republic of Korea Air Force Col. Jongseo Park, Air and Space attache. This diverse representation underscored the unified stance of the U.S. and its allies against challenges in the space domain.

Col. Sugiyama Kimitoshi echoed the sentiment, stressing the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation in the region. "That's how to get three countries to work together," he noted, highlighting the strategic importance of joint operations and shared objectives.

Mastalir further illuminated the significance of regular training exercises among partner nations, citing the recent completion of exercise Keen Edge. This annual multi-national event focuses on enhancing interoperability across all spectrums of warfare, including space operations. The Brig. Gen. stressed the invaluable insights gained from such exercises, saying, "When you actually go through the exercise, you start to understand where you are like-minded and what's important to each sovereign nation and their respective defense forces."

The discussion also delved into the essential role of space superiority in conflict scenarios. Mastalir articulated how space capabilities not only ensure the combined force's access to space but also enable the denial of adversary space capabilities, thereby protecting forces from space-enabled attacks. This capability is crucial for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, a goal that cannot be achieved without the concerted efforts of the Space Force and its allies.