Lockheed Martin has delivered the second shipset of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar for Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs).
Before being shipped to Japan, the radar package will undergo full system integration and testing at Lockheed Martin’s facilities to minimize integration risks and support on-time commissioning. The delivery follows the first radar shipset provided in June 2025 and supports the planned entry into service of the two vessels in 2027 and 2028.
The transfer was completed through a Direct Commercial Sale arrangement facilitated by Mitsubishi Corporation.
Missile Defense
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is procuring two ASEVs primarily to strengthen ballistic missile defense, particularly against threats from North Korea.
The ships will incorporate Aegis Combat System—an automated command-and-control and weapons management system—along with the SPY-7 radar.
The solid-state SPY-7 radar offers advanced detection and tracking capabilities, allowing it to monitor multiple targets simultaneously and support interception of ballistic missiles, aircraft, and hypersonic threats.
In 2024, Tokyo awarded construction contracts to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the first vessel and Japan Marine United Corporation for the second.
Each ASEV will measure approximately 190 meters (623 feet) in length and 25 meters (82 feet) in width, with a standard displacement of about 12,000 tons.
The ships will be significantly larger than Japan’s Maya-class destroyer, which measures 170 meters (557 feet) long, 21 meters (69 feet) wide, and has a standard displacement of roughly 8,200 tons.
