“Transforming Naval Power: Lockheed Martin Unveils AN/SPY-7(V)1 Radar Antennas for Japan’s Aegis System Vessels”
Lockheed Martin has effectively provided the inaugural Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) shipset, consisting of four AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antennas, to the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD). This delivery was achieved through Mitsubishi Corporation via a Direct Commercial Sale agreement, following extensive acceptance evaluations.
“The timely and successful delivery of all antennas for the initial ASEV exemplifies the maturity and scalability of the SPY-7 radar, along with production capabilities, showcasing Lockheed Martin’s commitment and proficiency in system integration,” stated Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin.
The JMOD is in the process of acquiring two ASEVs, both slated for commissioning in Japan’s Fiscal Year 2027 and 2028. Marshall elaborated, “We will persist with comprehensive system integration and testing of all four antennas at the Production Test Center located in Moorestown, New Jersey this year, before equipping Japan, thereby significantly minimizing integration risks and ensuring timely commissioning.”
The SPY-7 Edge
Featuring state-of-the-art detection and tracking abilities, SPY-7 adeptly addresses multifaceted threats, empowering the concurrent engagement of several targets and providing a formidable 21st-century defense capacity that elevates the operational efficiency of naval forces within an increasingly unpredictable and dynamic landscape.
Besides Japan’s ASEVs, the SPY-7 radar is also being manufactured for Canada’s River-Class Destroyers, Spain’s F-110 Frigates, and the ground-based variant has been implemented by the Missile Defense Agency for the Guam Defense System (TPY-6) and the Long-Range Discrimination Radar. The endorsement of Lockheed Martin’s solid-state radar by both the United States and numerous international partners underscores the exceptional quality and advancement of the radar technology. In December 2024, Lockheed Martin’s land-based iteration of the SPY-7 radar, referred to as TPY-6, successfully intercepted a mid-range ballistic missile as part of the Aegis Guam System during the Flight Experiment Mission-02.
