Japan is preparing to launch an advanced maritime digital system using multiple satellites to strengthen ocean security and communication. The Cabinet Office and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry are leading the initiative. Their joint goal is to improve surveillance of suspicious vessels and illegal fishing across wide sea areas.
Japan has long lagged behind in developing maritime communication networks compared to its land-based systems. Therefore, the government began testing two new satellites this year to evaluate whether stable communication from the ocean is possible. Moreover, officials plan to invest ¥14.7 billion and aim for full implementation of the maritime digital system by fiscal 2029.
The new system will significantly help Japan respond to frequent incursions by Chinese vessels. The Japan Coast Guard currently handles more than 7,000 maritime crime cases each year, including smuggling, illegal immigration, and marine pollution. Consequently, the technology will improve monitoring precision and accelerate response times.
In the past, Japan relied on artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and detect suspicious ships. More recently, it has used Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, which large vessels are required to install. However, experts warn that AIS can be manipulated, allowing vessels to disguise their true positions.
To solve this problem, Japan plans to adopt the VHF Data Exchange System, or VDES. This next-generation platform enables two-way digital data exchange through satellite communication. As a result, the maritime digital system will use a constellation of small satellites to cover distant offshore zones where radio or mobile signals cannot reach.
VDES also allows ships and coastal stations to exchange short text messages in real time. Furthermore, it makes it far more difficult for vessels to falsify their positions. By sharing navigation plans, ships can reduce the risk of accidents. Japan records about 1,800 vessel accidents each year, and experts believe the system could greatly reduce this number.
In 2022, the government designated VDES as a Key and Advanced Technology R&D project. It became part of the Cross Community Collaboration Program, which promotes public-private partnerships on vital national technologies. Additionally, the program supports next-generation battery development and satellite communication systems.
A consortium of domestic companies is now testing VDES applications that combine satellite operation and data analysis. Their efforts aim to build a secure and reliable network that enhances Japan’s maritime monitoring capabilities.
Sasakawa Peace Foundation Senior Research Fellow Shigeki Takaya emphasized that VDES could strengthen defense and disaster response. He explained that it can deliver emergency alerts during natural disasters or missile launches and verify the safety of ships at sea.
Moreover, Takaya urged Japan to play an active role in shaping international standards for this new communication network. Since Europe and other regions are already developing similar systems, Japan’s participation could ensure transparent and cooperative maritime data-sharing rules.
Ultimately, the maritime digital system will reinforce Japan’s ocean safety, safeguard trade routes, and support long-term regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.
