The US State Department has approved a possible $100-million foreign military sale to Japan to maintain its Aegis-equipped destroyers.
The program is intended to keep the ships’ Aegis combat systems operational and aligned with evolving mission requirements.
Lockheed Martin will serve as the prime contractor for system testing, software updates, engineering support, and maintenance.
The Aegis system is an automated command-and-control and weapons system that manages detection, tracking, and engagement of threats.
Its core is the AN/SPY phased-array radar, capable of simultaneously searching, tracking, and guiding missiles against over 100 targets.
According to US officials, the sale is intended to ensure the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force maintains the readiness of its destroyers as it modernizes the fleet for air and missile defense roles.
The program also supports continued interoperability with the US Navy and ongoing bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Aegis System Equipped Vessel Program
Japan is advancing its Aegis system-equipped vessel program through several key steps.
In October, Lockheed Martin began testing the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar at its Production and Test Center in Moorestown, New Jersey, focusing on performance and integration with the Aegis system in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the US Missile Defense Agency.
Earlier this year, Tokyo requested up to 150 SM-6 Block I missiles from the US for its Aegis system-equipped vessel program in a potential $900-million foreign military sale.
The package also includes vertical launch system canisters, engineering and integration support, and related logistics and technical assistance.
In 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Defense contracted a local shipbuilder to develop the nation’s second Aegis-equipped vessel, following a contract awarded the same year to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the first ship.
