In a major step toward operational deployment, the US Missile Defense Agency has completed its first live-target tracking trial with the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar, supporting its integration into Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) program. The test involved tracking targets during two separate events, followed by simulated engagements to validate system performance.
Conducted jointly with Lockheed Martin and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the exercise played a key role in reducing integration risks while providing valuable insights into the radar’s search, detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities alongside the Aegis combat system. With testing completed, the first ASEV shipset featuring the SPY-7 radar is set to be shipped to Japan.
The SPY-7 radar, based on MDA’s Long Range Discrimination Radar technology, delivers enhanced performance over earlier SPY-1 systems, including the ability to track multiple threat types such as ballistic missiles and hypersonic targets at ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers. Its flexible, software-based architecture enables upgrades and deployment across different naval platforms. In addition to Japan’s two planned ASEVs—expected to enter service between 2028 and 2029—the radar will also be integrated into future Canadian and Spanish naval vessels.
