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AN/SPY-7 Radar Enhances Japan’s Aegis Defense Against Air and Missile Threats.
According to a PR published by Lockheed Martin on January 15, 2025, Lockheed Martin has achieved a critical milestone in Japan’s defense modernization by delivering the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna for the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) to the Japan Ministry of Defense.
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Lockheed Martin delivers the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna for Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The AN/SPY-7(V)1 is central to the ASEV's combat capability, bringing unparalleled advancements in radar performance to Japan’s naval defense strategy. This radar system will undergo final integration with the ASEV combat system at the Production Test Center in Moorestown, a process designed to mitigate risks and optimize system functionality before shipboard deployment. This careful approach reflects the growing emphasis on precision and reliability in deploying state-of-the-art naval systems.
Japan’s investment in the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar system aligns with its broader national security objectives. The radar is a cornerstone of modern air and missile defense, capable of addressing the increasing complexity of contemporary threats. As regional security dynamics grow more challenging, the introduction of the SPY-7 into Japan’s naval architecture enhances its ability to counter both traditional and emerging threats, including advanced ballistic missiles and sophisticated air assets.
Lockheed Martin’s ongoing collaboration with Japan illustrates a shared commitment to cutting-edge solutions that support strategic deterrence. The delivery of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 is not only a technological achievement but also a diplomatic signal of sustained U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, which remains vital in the Indo-Pacific’s evolving security landscape.
The AN/SPY-7(V)1 is built on Lockheed Martin’s solid-state radar architecture, a transformative technology designed for multi-domain defense operations. Its scalable and modular design offers enhanced situational awareness, enabling operators to detect, track, and respond to diverse and simultaneous threats with unprecedented precision. This capability is particularly critical in the naval domain, where speed and accuracy are paramount in decision-making under high-pressure conditions.
Lockheed Martin’s SPY-7 technology builds on the proven success of systems like the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR). Its adoption by allied nations, including Spain for the F-110 Multi-Mission Frigate and Canada for the River-Class Destroyer, reflects its global reputation for reliability and performance. The adaptability of the SPY-7 system, which includes a transportable variant for deployment in Guam, further highlights its role as a versatile solution for air and missile defense across varied operational environments.
Lockheed Martin’s commitment to delivering additional SPY-7 systems by 2025 signals a long-term partnership with Japan aimed at enhancing regional security. The delivery is more than a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic enhancement of Japan’s naval capabilities, ensuring readiness for future challenges. This effort aligns with Lockheed Martin’s vision of “21st Century Security,” emphasizing innovation, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to defense.