Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMoD) and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has completed the initial light off of the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) shipset 1 radar system.
The test took place at the Production and Test Center in Moorestown, New Jersey.
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The initial light off involved all four AN/SPY-7(V)1 antennas and signifies the start of an extensive testing phase.
This phase is essential for ensuring that the radar system meets performance standards when integrated with the Aegis system. The testing will also support the construction and commissioning schedule of the ASEV.
Following this phase, shipset 1 will undergo further tracking exercises before its physical delivery to Japan next year.
Concurrently, shipset 2 will enter its testing and verification stage, having been sold off to the JMOD.
These steps are part of a series of milestones aimed at advancing the programme’s progress.
Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager Chandra Marshall said: “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 programme deployment risk.
“The complete SPY-7 radar system will be installed on Japan’s ASEV ships, serving as a critical component of Japan’s homeland defence.”
In June 2025, Lockheed Martin officially handed over all four AN/SPY-7(V) radar antennas for the first ASEV shipset to JMOD. However, the antennas remained at Lockheed Martin’s facility for testing purposes.
Following a successful live track in December 2024, Navantia has successfully integrated SCOMBA consoles with Lockheed Martin’s SPY-7(V)2 radar at the Aegis SCOMBA Integration Center in Moorestown.
This integration enables simulated engagements of live tracks, demonstrating a fully operational combat system that combines SCOMBA with Aegis and SPY-7 capabilities.
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