Japan plans domestically developed AI satellites, building test units during fiscal 2027–2029 and launching from fiscal 2030 onward.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense plans to develop satellites equipped with artificial intelligence to analyze space-surveillance data. The stated purpose is to accelerate decision-making connected with Japan’s ability to respond to attacks using long-range missiles.

The ministry plans to work with Japanese companies to build test satellites during fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Performance testing would initially take place on the ground.

Launches are planned for fiscal 2030 or later, after which the satellite functions would be tested in space. The source therefore describes a development and test schedule, not an existing operational constellation.

The onboard AI system is expected to be developed domestically in Japan. The supplied report did not specify satellite quantity, launch provider, orbital regime, processor hardware, budget or deployment capacity.