Lockheed Martin delivers SPY-7 radar for Japanese BMD ASEV ship

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) shipset comprised of four AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antennas to the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD). All four radar antennas will undergo further testing and integration at manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s Production Test Center in Moorestown, New Jersey. The delivery was facilitated through Mitsubishi Corporation under a Direct Commercial Sale arrangement after rigorous acceptance testing.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) two 14,000 ton, US$7.1 billion ($10.8 billion) ASEV vessels are designed for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD). Some 190m long, they are armed with SM-6 Sea Based Terminal (SBT) missiles and a Build Level 9 Aegis system integrated with the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar.

The two ships in the class (so far) are being manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Marine United Corporation. Both ASEVs are on track for commissioning in Japan in 2027 and 2028.

“The successful on-time delivery of all antennas for the first ASEV showcases the maturity and scalability of the SPY-7 radar as well as production capacity, while also demonstrating Lockheed Martin’s dedication and expertise in system integration,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin.

With advanced detection and tracking capabilities, SPY-7 effectively counters complex threats, says manufacturer Lockheed Martin. It enables simultaneous engagement of multiple targets, delivering a robust security capability that enhances the effectiveness of naval forces in an increasingly uncertain and dynamic environment.

“We will continue full system integration and testing with all four antennas at … Moorestown, New Jersey this year, prior to equipment delivery to Japan, which will significantly reduce integration risk and enable commissioning on schedule,” added Marshall.

In addition to Japan’s ASEVs, the SPY-7 radar is also being produced for Canada’s River-Class Destroyers, Spain’s F-110 Frigates, and the land-based version has been deployed by the US Missile Defense Agency for the Guam Defense System (TPY-6) and the Long-Range Discrimination Radar, says Lockheed Martin.

In December 2024, Lockheed Martin’s land-based version of the SPY-7 radar, known as TPY-6, successfully intercepted a mid-range ballistic missile as part of the Aegis Guam System during a flight experiment Flight Experiment Mission-02.