ASEV: Lockheed completes second AN/SPY-7 delivery to Japan

Lockheed Martin has completed delivery of the second AN/SPY-7 radar to Japan. The delivery means the country’s Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV) are on track to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. But will the ships offer the protection needed?

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 16, 2026. 

Lockheed Martin has delivered the second AN/SPY-7 air defence radar to the Japanese MoD. The radars are designed for two new air defence ships called the Aegis System Equipped Vessels. With the ships expected to provide defence against ballistic missiles, the AN/SPY-7 is a crucial component of the programme.

“The delivery was facilitated through Mitsubishi Corporation under a Direct Commercial Sale arrangement,” a March 12 press release states. After delivery, the radars are integrated into a test tower at Lockheed’s Production and Test Centre in Moorestown, New Jersey. This helps reduce programmatic risk, the press release states. The radars will be delivered to the Japanese MoD after that testing work is done. Then they will be integrated onto the ASEVs. This means the two ships will be set to commission in 2027 and 2028, the press release adds. 

Japan’s ASEV AN/SPY-7 Radar Programme: Key Milestones

In January 2025, Lockheed Martin delivered the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna to Japan’s Ministry of Defence. This marked the opening milestone of the ASEV programme. Building on this, Lockheed completed delivery of all four antennas by July 2025. This on-time achievement demonstrated strong manufacturing capacity and programme momentum.

Subsequently, in October 2025, Lockheed achieved “initial light off” of the full radar set at its Production Test Centre in Moorestown, New Jersey. This critical power-up began comprehensive validation of the radar alongside the Aegis combat system. Land-based testing reduces risk ahead of eventual shipboard installation.

If you would like to read up on previous milestones for the AN/SPY-7 radar, check out the links below:

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

Calibre comment: Is the ASEV right for Japan?

Throughout the development period of the ASEV, analysts raised consistent concerns. The total programme cost stands at $5.23 billion, with radar procurement alone reaching $2.34 billion. Critics question whether two vessels can sustain a continuous at-sea presence. There are also survivability concerns, particularly against massed cruise missile attacks from China or North Korea. 

However, Iran’s chaotic strikes in the Middle East demonstrate to some extent how difficult it is to defend everything. It could be argued that Japan is facing a potential opportunity cost by investing in the ASEVs, each ship is designed to carry more than 100 missiles. This means the costs will continue to climb, even once the ships are in service. That money would likely return more comprehensive air defence coverage if spent elsewhere. However, the concern around ballistic missiles is real. It is a case where there are no good choices, but some make more sense than others. 

The lead image is a concept rendering of the Aegis System Equipped Vesselt. Credit: Lockheed Martin.