Japan alters plans for Aegis missile defence yet again
Japan will install the SPY-7(V)1 radar on two future Aegis missile defence destroyers. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
In another plot twist, Japan is set to reduce the size of its future Aegis missile defence destroyers.
With North Korea having launched more than 50 ballistic missiles this year already, Japan’s MoD will build two Aegis destroyers fitted with SPY-7(V)1 instead of its previous selection of Aegis Ashore.
According to earlier plans, the new Aegis destroyers were to have a 20,000t standard displacement, and be 210m long and 40m wide to fulfil various requirements.
The maximum speed of these ‘bloated’ Aegis destroyers would have been 18kt. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) would not incorporate the vessels into its regular fleet, but rather place them on alert duty around Japan.
However, in a sudden change,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
![MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog]()
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
