Japan takes delivery of first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna from Lockheed Martin

The Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) has taken delivery of the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna for the Aegis system-equipped vessel (ASEV) from American defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The delivery was made through Mitsubishi Corporation under a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) arrangement after rigorous acceptance testing.

The AN/SPY-7 (V)1 antenna will now proceed to final integration with the ASEV combat system at the Production Test Center (PTC-2) in Moorestown in support of full system delivery to Japan. 

This comprehensive integration phase significantly minimizes risk during ship integration and ensures optimal system performance prior to delivery, Lockheed Martin stated.

“This milestone continues to demonstrate Lockheed Martin’s ability to rapidly scale mature, cutting-edge technology for Japan,” added Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin.

“We plan to keep the momentum going with additional antenna deliveries scheduled for 2025.”

The radar system has advanced capabilities to detect, track, and engage more complex ballistic missiles and advanced air threats, simultaneously engaging multiple targets with proven interceptors.

Building on the success of the US Missile Defense Agency’s long-range discrimination radar, this common radar technology has been planned for future deployments, including Spain’s F-110 multi-mission frigate and Canada’s river-class destroyer.

Additionally, a transportable version of the solid-state radar technology is being deployed in Guam.

In a separate statement, Lockheed Martin revealed that, in partnership with Navantia, Spain’s national defense and shipbuilding company, the company recently demonstrated the first live track for the Spain F-110 frigate’s AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar.

“During the milestone event, the SPY-7 radar system’s tactical hardware and software accurately tracked airborne objects, which confirms the system’s maturity and readiness for comprehensive performance testing,” said Marshall.

“This achievement marks a critical milestone in the F-110 Program and showcases the progress made, ensuring that the program is on track to meet its scheduled commissioning date for the first frigate in 2028,” said Carlos Lopez, F-110 Program Director at Navantia.

In the coming months, Lockheed Martin will conduct thorough testing of all components of the SPY-7 radar system and Aegis tactical equipment, ensuring that Spain receives a fully integrated and calibrated system.

Formal delivery of the SPY-7 radar is scheduled for 2026.

The F-110 frigate is scheduled to join the Spanish Navy’s fleet, with the first two ships currently under construction.

In 2022, Navantia held a steel-cutting ceremony for the first frigate in this class.

Lockheed Martin and Navantia are collaborating on the integration of the Aegis and SCOMBA Combat System tactical computer programs, which will be tested at the ASIC and Spanish Navy’s land-based test site (CIST) in Rota naval base, Spain.