ASEV: First SPY-7 radar live tracking completed

The SPY-7 radar for Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV) has completed its first live tracking. The test takes the system one step closer to being in service, at a time when ballistic missile defence is more topical than ever. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 23, 2026. 

Lockheed Martin, the US Missile Defense Agency and Japanese MoD, have tested the SPY-7 radar against a live target. The system completed virtual engagements during the tests, which were the first against real targets, the March 22 release states. 

According to Lockheed Martin, the test included search, detection, tracking, and target discrimination. This often means that there were several live targets or clutter and the radar had to figure out which was which. It’s an important capability for a ballistic missile defence system; Iran has demonstrated the ability to launch waved attacks with multiple missiles in the airspace at one time. 

The hardware used in the tests will eventually be integrated into Japan’s ASEVs, Lockheed states. The programme appears to be progressing rapidly, with the first test of four AN/SPY-7(V)1 antennas conducted in September 2025. The antennas are installed on a Lockheed building designed to represent the tower of an ASEV. 

• Lockheed delivers AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna to Japan – Calibre Defence
• Homeland defence: Japan’s new radar enters crucial testing phase 
• ASEV: Lockheed completes second AN/SPY-7 delivery to Japan – Calibre Defence 

Lockheed has delivered both sets of antennas to the Japanese MoD, although they currently remain in the US for testing. The ASEVs are expected to enter service by the end of 2029, which suggests an aggressive schedule lies ahead. But with the world profoundly unstable, the procurement is now looking quite sensible. 

Threat profile: North Korea’s ballistic missiles

The primary mission of the ships will be missile and air defence, with the Japanese MoD stating that they will be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Future upgrades will encompass defence against hypersonic glide vehicles. In their envisaged configuration, the ASEVs will each carry 128 vertical launch system cells carrying SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors. 

They are expected to provide homeland defence and are built with North Korea and China in mind. North Korea has a number of ballistic missiles and is expected to develop one way attack drones similar to the Shaheds used by Iran, and Gerans produced by Russia. However, it also has a number of Medium Range Ballistic Missiles that could theoretically reach Japan. According to the CSIS Missile Defense project, they include: 

• Hwasong-7 (Nodong 1): 1,200 – 1,500 km range.
• Hwasong-9: 800 – 1,000 km range.
• Pukguksong-1 (KN-11): 1,200 km range
• Pukguksong-2 (KN-15): 1,200 – 2,000 km range.

The rogue state is developing a range of capabilities including multi-azimuth and saturation attacks, according to CSIS. And, it is no doubt learning from Russia’s experience in Ukraine, as well as Iran’s.

Calibre comment: Diego Garcia and ballistic missile defence

Ballistic missile defence has been a lingering issue for some time. Countries in the Middle East, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have had many years to grapple with the threat they pose. Ballistic missiles are unique because of what it takes to intercept them. A cruise missile or drone can be brought down by an explosive warhead, which means the interceptor only has to come within a few metres to be successful. But ballistic missiles generally require a kinetic interception at relatively high altitude. This means specific missile systems like THAAD or Arrow are required. 

To put it mildly, these systems are expensive, and the ASEVs are no exception – coming in at an estimated $5.23 billion. But Iran’s attack on Diego Garcia over the weekend perhaps helps to illustrate the importance of ballistic missile defence. Attacks on the homeland are to be expected, but if a country is not at war with the state, then it might expect to miss those attacks. However, Iran has shown a willingness to expand the war geographically. This suggests that any state within reach of a potential rogue actor would be wise to consider if and how it should defend against ballistic missiles. 

The lead image shows a missile being launched, possible for the AN/SPY-7(V)1 tests. Credit: Missile Defense Agency.