
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has received the first batch of four AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antennas from Lockheed Martin, which will be used in Tokyo’s first Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV).
The first Aegis vessel in Japan is being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, while the second is being built by Japan Marine United Corporation. It is expected that the ASEVs will begin operations in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
The SPY-7 radar will enable them to simultaneously detect, track, and engage a wide range of enemy targets, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic threats, and anti-air defenses. Furthermore, the adaptable, modular radar is able to distinguish between real and fake threats.
After a rigorous acceptance testing, Lockheed sold the radar antennas through Mitsubishi Corporation under a direct commercial sale.