Lockheed Martin completes live SPY-7 radar test for Japan’s ASEV

Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the US Department of War (DoW), the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMoD), has completed a live target tracking exercise using the SPY-7 radar system.

The test took place as part of trials for the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) and involved searching, detecting, identifying, tracking, and discriminating live targets, concluding with virtual engagements.

The SPY-7 radar used in this trial is set for delivery to Japan for integration into the first ASEV.

According to Lockheed Martin, the radar system is compatible with the Aegis Combat System and can operate alongside other radars and platforms. It holds capability to track and engage multiple advanced ballistic missile and air threats simultaneously.

Lockheed Martin multi-domain combat solutions vice president Chandra Marshall said: “Successful completion of the first live target tracking exercise of the ASEV system affirms that our integrated Aegis system is ready to detect, track and engage targets.

He continued to note it is “showcasing Lockheed Martin’s ability to deliver rapid solutions in partnership with the Department of War and Japanese allies.”

SPY-7 radar technology is also being deployed by domestic and international defence clients, including its use by the MDA for the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), by the US Navy for the Spanish F-110 frigate programme, and by the Canadian Surface Combatant.

Last month, Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu entered into an initial purchase agreement for a key component used in Japan’s ASEV SPY-7 radar antenna.

In October last year, Lockheed Martin worked with the JMOD and MDA to complete the initial light off of the ASEV shipset 1 radar system.