Japan’s Ministry of Defense is planning to adopt a cutting-edge communications protocol this spring to improve its defense capabilities. The ministry is keen to modernize its defense infrastructure, and it’s in the midst of drawing up plans to coordinate its decision-making regarding NTT’s Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) framework. The protocol converts communication signals into optical signals, rather than the typical electrical signal conversion, which could revolutionize smart cities.
The breakthrough technology, which NTT is looking to launch around 2030, will boost data transmission efficiency by 125 times, drastically reducing transmission time and power consumption. In warfare, it could be invaluable for the advanced communication infrastructure necessary for defense operations.
It’s notable that the ministry is already involved in this stage of planning IOWN, suggesting that it is looking to integrate the system as soon as possible into the national defense strategy. In particular, it expects that IOWN will make power-hungry equipment, like drones, more efficient for the specific needs of the JSDF. However, the ministry expects that its capabilities will also improve its cyber and electromagnetic defense capacities, and that it will allow it to immediately share enemy positions.
It’s also hoping that it will be able to apply the IOWN framework to help digital twin technology, which matches the digital with the physical in order to be able to quickly maintain and develop equipment. With the latest framework for IOWN, it can reduce the number of prototypes the ministry develops, cut the time it takes from development to product, and cut the costs of developing these military technologies. Although the Japanese military may lag technologically, it’s become an important and effective part of the civilian process to develop new products, research and economic growth, while also allow Japan to more independently maintain its security posture.
