Lockheed Martin has begun critical testing of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar system for Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) programme, marking a key milestone in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Initial light off of all four antennas for shipset 1 took place on schedule at the company’s Production and Test Center in Moorestown, New Jersey.

The testing phase will confirm radar performance integrated with the Aegis combat system, supporting the overall ship construction and commissioning schedule. These validations are designed to ensure the system meets high standards for ballistic missile defence and integrated air and missile defence capabilities.

“By testing the complete SPY-7 radar system in a land-based facility, we’re able to verify the SPY-7 radar’s Ballistic Missile Defense and Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities meet warfighter needs ahead of shipboard installation, significantly reducing program deployment risk,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin. Marshall added, “The complete SPY-7 radar system will be installed on Japan’s ASEV ships, serving as a critical component of Japan’s homeland defense.”