Lockheed Martin’s SPY-7 radar demonstrated its ability to search, detect, identify, track and discriminate against targets during an exercise the company conducted with the Department of War, the Missile Defense Agency and Japan’s Ministry of Defense. The Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered defense company said Sunday that the system also carried out virtual target engagements.
The exercise marks the first live target tracking of the SPY-7 radar, which will be delivered to Japan for integration into the Aegis System Equipped Vessel, or ASEV. According to Chandra Marshall, vice president of multi-domain combat solutions at Lockheed Martin, the exercise validated the of the integrated SPY-7 Aegis System’s maturity.
“Successful completion of the first live target tracking exercise of the ASEV system affirms that our integrated Aegis system is ready to detect, track and engage targets, showcasing Lockheed Martin’s ability to deliver rapid solutions in partnership with the Department of War and Japanese allies,” Marshall stated.
What Is SPY-7?
SPY-7 is a modular, scalable, software-defined digital solid-state radar designed to detect, track and engage ballistic missile and advanced air threats. The system can handle multiple targets simultaneously and is built to support rapid, data-driven decision-making in complex operational environments.
The radar is interoperable with multiple platforms and is fully compatible with the Aegis combat system. It is currently under testing across U.S. and allied programs, including the Missile Defense Agency’s Long-Range Discrimination Radar.
Lockheed is also providing the capability to Spain. In January 2025, the company also conducted a live tracking demonstration of the AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar for Spain’s F-110 frigate in collaboration with Navantia. The test validated the system’s ability to track airborne objects and marked a milestone ahead of full system integration and delivery.
What Is the Status of SPY-7 Deliveries to Japan?
The test follows Lockheed’s deliveries of SPY-7 radar systems in support of Japan’s ASEV program. In March 2026, the company delivered the second shipset of AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar equipment to Japan’s MOD through Mitsubishi under a direct commercial sale arrangement.
Lockheed completed the first shipment of the radar to Japan in June 2025. According to the company, full system integration and testing of the second shipset will be conducted prior to final delivery to reduce integration risk and support on-schedule deployment.
Japan ordered two ASEVs, both of which are on track for commissioning in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.