Lockheed Martin has delivered the first shipset of four SPY-7(V)1 radar arrays to Japan’s Ministry of Defense for use on its future Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs). These ballistic missile defense warships are scheduled for commissioning in Japan’s 2027 and 2028 fiscal years.
The SPY-7 radar is also being adopted by other nations. Canada plans to use the system on its next-generation River-class destroyers, replacing aging Iroquois-class and Halifax-class vessels. Spain is incorporating the radar into its F-110-class frigates. Japan’s heightened defense posture—driven by growing regional threats—includes a record-breaking $55.1 billion defense budget approved last December.
