Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu Limited have taken a significant step forward in bolstering Japan’s defence industrial capacity through a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced on May 22. This agreement positions Fujitsu as a key supplier for the SPY-7 Subarray Suite Power Supply Line Replaceable Unit (PS LRU), a critical component for Lockheed Martin’s advanced SPY-7 radar system.
Paul Lemmo, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the importance of local manufacturing, stating that it assures Japan’s military capabilities can be sustained and supported over the long term. He expressed pride in Lockheed Martin’s role in shaping the future of Japan’s defence industry and its commitment to enhancing the workforce involved in national security. Tsuneo Hayashi, Corporate Executive Officer at Fujitsu, echoed this sentiment, affirming that their collaboration will not only strengthen Japan’s national security but also foster substantial growth in local defence manufacturing.
This partnership builds on an earlier MOU signed in 2024 that aimed to enhance Lockheed Martin’s industrial cooperation goals, signalling a long-term commitment to developing solid-state radar production in Japan. The relationship exemplifies Lockheed Martin’s dedication to developing a sustainable defence ecosystem, as the company has been integral in supporting Japan’s national security for over three decades through advanced systems and sensors used in the country’s Kongo, Atago, and Maya class destroyers.
In recent developments, the SPY-7 radar continues to demonstrate cutting-edge capabilities. Notably, in April 2024, the radar was successfully integrated with the Aegis Weapon System to conduct live tracking of space objects, marking a crucial milestone in Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) program. The demonstration, witnessed by representatives from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy, showcased the radar’s advanced detection capabilities, particularly its ability to identify multiple threats and engage them simultaneously. Such advancements are pivotal, especially as Japan seeks to bolster its missile defence systems amid increasing regional security challenges.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence has already received the first of two AN/SPY-7(V)1 radars, which emphasizes the timeline for enhancing integrated air and missile defence capabilities. These radars, based on Lockheed’s Long Range Discrimination Radar technology, are designed to significantly improve Japan’s surveillance functions and response mechanisms against potential missile threats. The Aegis system’s integration efforts, including performance testing at Lockheed Martin’s Production Test Center in New Jersey, underscore the collaborative endeavour’s depth and complexity, highlighting the shared commitment between Japan and the United States towards enhancing regional security.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Lockheed Martin’s proactive approach in establishing local partnerships, exemplified by the collaboration with Fujitsu, not only reflects an astute business strategy but also reinforces Japan’s position in the global defence arena. This increasing focus on domestic capabilities will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring Japan’s defence readiness amid the shifting dynamics of international security.
The advancements of the SPY-7 radar will further enhance Japan’s operational readiness, ensuring that its defence forces are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to counter emerging threats. Through strategic collaborations and local manufacturing initiatives, Japan is poised to substantially elevate its national security posture, paving the way for a more resilient defence infrastructure.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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