According to Lockheed Martin, Japan has received the first antenna of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar, which will equip the new ASEV destroyers of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. The acquisition was made through a Direct Commercial Sale agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), with several acceptance tests successfully completed.

As part of the program to enhance air defense capabilities against various types of missiles, ranging from cruise to ballistic, Japan initiated the development of new destroyers for its Maritime Self-Defense Force several years ago. This was revealed in the 2024 Defense White Paper, which detailed the progress in the detailed design phase of the future units. The budget allocated for the development of these units in 2024 was approximately $2.59 billion.

The requirement for Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force focuses on acquiring at least two vessels equipped with the AEGIS combat system, known as ASEVs, with capabilities to intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Although updates on their construction have been limited, reports suggest that the first unit may enter service by the end of March 2028, with the second following in late March 2029. The contract for the construction of the first ship was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), while Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) was tasked with building the second.

The AN/SPY-7(V)1 antenna provided by Lockheed Martin will next be integrated with the ASEV combat system at the Production Test Center (PTC-2) in Moorestown before being shipped to Japan. This marks the first of several deliveries. Chandra Marshall, Vice President of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring that Japan receives additional systems on schedule, emphasizing that “we plan to maintain momentum with additional antenna deliveries scheduled for 2025.”

In its statement, Lockheed Martin described the SPY-7 radar as designed for naval applications, enabling rapid and precise decision-making in high-precision scenarios. The system features advanced capabilities for detecting, tracking, and engaging complex ballistic missiles and advanced air threats, simultaneously targeting multiple objects with proven interceptors. The radar is also utilized on other vessels, such as Spain’s future F-110 multi-mission frigates and Canada’s Royal Navy River-class destroyers.

Regarding the specifications of the future ASEV destroyers, the vessels will displace 12,000 tons, with dimensions of 190 meters in length and 25 meters in beam. They will feature a high degree of automation, requiring approximately 240 crew members for operation—significantly fewer than the 300 needed for an AEGIS-equipped Maya-class destroyer.

As for armament, the new Japanese destroyers will be equipped with a Mk-45 (Mod.4) 5-inch (127 mm) main gun, as well as SM-3 Block IIA and SM-6 interceptors, Tomahawk land-attack missiles, and Type 12 (SSM) missiles. Additionally, plans include the potential integration of a high-power laser-based counter-drone system, which is expected to be installed starting in 2032, according to the updated development schedule.

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