The Japanese Ministry of Defense has officially received its first shipment of four AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antennas from Lockheed Martin, marking a critical step in the development of its Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) program. These advanced radar systems will be installed on Japan’s first ASEV, part of the country’s efforts to bolster its maritime defense infrastructure.
Japan is currently constructing two ASEVs—one by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the other by Japan Marine United Corporation—scheduled to enter operational service in 2028 and 2029, respectively. These vessels will be outfitted with the cutting-edge SPY-7 radar, designed to detect, track, and engage a broad spectrum of threats, including ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft systems, and hypersonic weapons.
The SPY-7 radar is noted for its modular, scalable design and advanced signal processing, enabling it to distinguish between actual threats and decoys. Delivered under a Direct Commercial Sale, the radar antennas underwent rigorous acceptance testing before Lockheed Martin handed them over via Mitsubishi Corporation, ensuring full compliance with Japanese defense requirements.
