By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

In a significant milestone for the Japanese Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) program, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has announced the successful demonstration of the first track of a live space object by the AN/SPY-7(V)1 solid-state radar integrated with the Aegis Weapon System (AWS).

The event, which took place at Lockheed Martin’s Production Test Center in Moorestown, New Jersey, was witnessed by representatives from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the U.S. Navy Aegis Technical Representative. During the tracking event, the SPY-7 radar tactical hardware and software demonstrated its capability to detect and track objects in space, transmitting the data seamlessly to the AWS for further processing.

MDA Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins expressed his satisfaction with the successful tracking, stating, “With the successful tracking of a space object by the SPY-7 radar, MDA has proved that The Aegis Weapon System with SPY-7 is ready to enter into an integrated testing phase with the ultimate objective to provide increased capability for Japan to defend against regional missile threats.”

The SPY-7 radar and the AWS represent a significant advancement in Japan’s defense capabilities. These systems will be installed and fielded on two newly constructed JMSDF vessels, with the Japan Ministry of Defense targeting March 2028 and March 2029 for their commissioning.

Notably, the SPY-7(V)1 radar incorporates scaled equipment and software derived from the MDA’s advanced Long Range Discriminating Radar (LRDR) located in Clear, Alaska, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology in Japan’s defense infrastructure.

This successful demonstration marks a crucial step forward in enhancing Japan’s ability to defend against emerging regional missile threats, underscoring the importance of international collaboration and technological innovation in modern defense systems.