A group of bipartisan US lawmakers has introduced a bill to broaden a multinational space defense coalition by including allies from the Indo-Pacific region like Japan and South Korea. The proposed Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026 would task the US Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations with evaluating the feasibility of expanding the Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD).
Senator Michael Bennet emphasized the need for enhanced space cooperation with allies in the face of China and Russia’s advancements in space technology. He highlighted that involving more allies in MNF-OOD would bolster resilience, burden-sharing, and deterrence, ultimately strengthening the protection of critical space assets vital for national security and economies.
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer supported the coalition’s expansion, stating that including Japan and South Korea would enhance collective defense capabilities. By broadening Operation Olympic Defender to encompass regional allies, the coalition aims to boost deterrence, resilience, and safeguard space infrastructure against potential hostile actions.
The current MNF-OOD, led by the US, includes seven allies and focuses on enhancing interoperability, space domain awareness, and deterring hostile activities in space. The proposed legislation mandates a comprehensive report within a year to evaluate the feasibility and strategic benefits of expanding the coalition, particularly with the inclusion of Japan and South Korea.
Efforts to strengthen multilateral space cooperation in the Indo-Pacific have been gaining momentum in Washington, with Senator Bennet supporting various initiatives linking space policy with regional security concerns. Recent defense authorization measures have also included provisions to deepen collaboration with allies like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India on space-related endeavors.
