Japan tests target tracking capabilities of Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar

A live target launched on 17 March 2026 in support of a tracking event conducted to test the capabilities of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar being supplied to Japan for its new Aegis System Equipped Vessel. (US Missile Defense Agency)

Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD), together with the US Department of Defense (DoD), the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Lockheed Martin, tested an AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar system that will be integrated into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF's) Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV).

Lockheed Martin announced on 23 March that this was the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar's first “live target tracking exercise”.

“During this exercise, the ASEV system demonstrated the ability to search, detect, identify, track, and discriminate against live targets, and concluded with virtual target engagements,” Lockheed Martin said.

The MoD announced in late 2023 that it would procure two AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar systems from Lockheed Martin for the JMSDF's two ASEVs, which are scheduled to be commissioned in fiscal years (FY) 2027 and 2028 respectively.

In July 2025, Lockheed Martin delivered an AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar system comprising four radar antennas to the MoD for the first ASEV. The company announced on 12 March that it had delivered the system for the second ASEV as well. According to Lockheed Martin, both radar systems were delivered to the MoD through Japanese company Mitsubishi Corporation under a Direct Commercial Sale arrangement.

The MDA said on 20 March that the live target tracking exercise took place off the US east coast between 17 and 19 March, as part of the Japan Flight Test Experiment Aegis Weapon System (JFTX)-01 test, which was conducted to facilitate integration of advanced combat systems into the JMSDF's first ASEV.