A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding a key multinational space defence coalition to include Indo-Pacific allies such as Japan and South Korea, citing growing concerns over the space capabilities of China and Russia.

The proposed Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026 would require the US Space Force to assess the feasibility of expanding the Multinational Force–Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD), a US-led coalition focused on deterring hostile actions in space and improving coordination among allies.

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet said the move is necessary as strategic competition intensifies. He emphasized that deeper cooperation would help safeguard critical space-based infrastructure that supports both national security and global economies.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer echoed the sentiment, stating that expanding the coalition would strengthen deterrence and resilience. He noted that including allies located closer to potential adversaries would significantly enhance the alliance’s operational effectiveness.

Currently, MNF-OOD includes seven countries: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand. The partnership focuses on improving interoperability, enhancing space domain awareness, and countering threats in orbit.

Under the proposed legislation, a detailed report must be submitted to Congress within one year. The report will evaluate the strategic value of including Japan and South Korea, identify policy or funding changes required, and assess how expansion would impact US national security interests.

It will also examine what additional resources or authorities may be needed from both the executive and legislative branches to support such an expansion.

The initiative reflects broader efforts in Washington to strengthen multilateral security frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region. Lawmakers have increasingly linked space policy with regional defence strategies, especially as reliance on satellites for communication, navigation, and intelligence continues to grow.

Recent defence measures have also emphasized deeper coordination with key partners, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India, across space-related operations.

The proposed expansion of the space defence pact signals a strategic shift toward greater allied cooperation in orbit, as global powers compete for dominance in an increasingly contested space domain.