Washington, D.C. - Representatives Dave Min (CA-47) and French Hill (AR-02) introduced the Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026, legislation that would require the Commander of U.S. Space Command to submit a report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of expanding the Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD) to incorporate additional allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan and South Korea.

MNF-OOD is a U.S.-led coalition of seven allies-Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States-focused on improving interoperability, addressing orbital debris, strengthening resilience of space-based infrastructure, enhancing space domain awareness, and deterring hostile acts in space.

The bill was first introduced bicamerally in the Senate by Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), underscoring bipartisan support for strengthening allied deterrence in the space domain.

"As authoritarian governments increasingly view space as a strategic domain for competition and coercion, the United States must strengthen coordination with democratic allies that share both our security interests and our values," said Rep. Min. "The satellites that power GPS, communications, weather forecasting, and military operations are increasingly vulnerable as China and Russia expand their capabilities. Japan and South Korea are indispensable partners in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, and expanding cooperation in space would help ensure our alliances remain prepared for emerging threats. I am proud to work with Rep. Hill on this critical issue."

"As China accelerates its push to dominate space, the United States and our allies must work together to defend the space domain and preserve American leadership in the Indo-Pacific," said Rep. Hill. "This bill takes an important step toward expanding the Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender to include additional Indo-Pacific allies. I'm proud to work with Rep. Min on this bipartisan effort to reinforce our alliances and advance our shared security interests."

"As China and Russia rapidly develop dangerous space capabilities, the United States must deepen cooperation with our allies to protect the space assets that underpin our national security and economies," said Senator Michael Bennet. "I'm glad to see my colleagues introduce this bill in the House, and look forward to working across both chambers to advance it."

"Expanding Operation Olympic Defender with allies like Japan and the Republic of Korea makes us stronger together," said Senator Kevin Cramer. "Our coalition boosts deterrence, reinforces resilience, and protects our space infrastructure. By expanding the network to include allies in the same region as some of greatest adversaries and competitors, we are much more capable of countering hostile actions in space."

The full text of the bill is available here.