Japan’s Ministry of Defence gets AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna
Delivered by Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna to the Japan Ministry of Defence for the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV). Following extensive acceptance testing, the delivery was made under a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) arrangement with Mitsubishi Corporation.
Chandra Marshall, Vice President of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin, highlighted that the achievement underscores the company’s ability to deploy advanced technologies rapidly. This milestone demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s ability to scale mature, cutting-edge technology for Japan rapidly. “
The delivered radar antenna will now be integrated with the ASEV combat system at the Production Test Centre (PTC-2) in Moorestown, New Jersey. This crucial phase ensures the system performs optimally before its deployment to Japan and minimises integration risks during ship assembly.
Lockheed Martin has confirmed its ongoing commitment to Japan’s national security goals. Marshall further stated: “We plan to keep the momentum going with additional antenna deliveries scheduled for 2025,” underscoring the company’s long-term support for Japan’s defence needs.
The AN/SPY-7 radar is key to modernising naval defence systems. Known for its solid-state radar technology, SPY-7 enables warfighters to make rapid decisions in high-stress environments. Its advanced capabilities allow it to detect, track, and engage complex ballistic missiles and aerial threats. Additionally, SPY-7 can simultaneously target multiple threats, providing enhanced defence capabilities.
The radar system builds on the success of the US Missile Defence Agency’s Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) and is set for global deployment.
Future applications of the technology include Spain’s F-110 Multi-Mission Frigate and Canada’s River-Class Destroyer. Moreover, a transportable version of SPY-7 is being deployed in Guam, demonstrating the system’s flexibility and global adaptability.
Lockheed Martin’s delivery of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar to Japan is a significant achievement for the company and reinforces Japan’s strategic capabilities in modern missile defence. With further deliveries planned for 2025, this development marks a pivotal step in enhancing Japan’s security infrastructure.
Image: Lockheed Martin’s AN/SPY-7 radar is key to modernising naval defence systems. Credit: Lockheed Martin
Last Updated on 8 hours by Arnold Pinto
