At IDEX 25 in Abu Dhabi, Lockheed Martin showcased for the first time a scale model of Japan’s future AEGIS System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) — an advanced, large, stealth guided-missile destroyer. The model revealed new design details about the ship’s final configuration.
Story by Dimitris Mitsopoulos and Kosuke Takahashi
At the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, a mock-up of Japan’s under-development ASEV was displayed. The stealth guided-missile destroyer that will specialize in ballistic missile defense (BMD) — larger than any other destroyer in the world, excluding the unique Zumwalt-class of US Navy — revealed intriguing details about the configuration of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) so-called “super destroyer.” With capabilities and size seemingly surpassing China’s Renhai-class (Type 055) 180-meter cruiser, the ASEV is set to become a symbol of pride for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).
Japan ASEV Super Destroyer
The scale model of the JMSDF’s future AEGIS System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) — an exceptionally large stealth guided-missile destroyer, surpassed in size only by the US Navy’s unique Zumwalt-class — was showcased at IDEX 2025.
According to the Ministry of Defense (MoD), the ASEV measures 190 meters in length, 25 meters in width, and has a standard displacement of 12,000 tons (the full load displacement could exceed the 14,000 tons). By comparison, the JMSDF’s latest Maya-class destroyer is 170 meters long, 21 meters wide, with a standard displacement of 8,200 tons. The ASEV is also 1.7 times heavier than the US Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer in terms of displacement.
At first glance, this is the first time a Japanese AEGIS-equipped warship features radar panels mounted above the bridge — a configuration similar to the Spanish Álvaro de Bazán (F100)-class air warfare destroyers and its derivative for the Royal Australian Navy, the Hobart-class. Moreover, unlike the AN/SPY-1 radar system installed on Japan’s eight existing AEGIS destroyers (Kongō, Atago, and Maya classes), this vessel will be equipped with the more advanced AN/SPY-7 AESA multi-function radar, which is also set to equip the Canadian River-class destroyers and the Spanish F-110 frigates.
Japan ASEV Super Destroyer
The ASEV will be the first Japanese AEGIS-equipped warship that will have its radar panels mounted above the bridge. Note the large AN/SPY-7 radar panels and the AN/SPQ-9B radar on the mast. Forward of the giant radar panels and above the bridge, there is an AN/SPG-62 FCR while at each side of the mast there are AN/SLQ-32(V)6 modules for electronic warfare purposes.
Like all Japanese AEGIS destroyers, the ship is equipped with three AN/SPG-62 X-band radar illuminators, which designate targets for final intercept by air defense missiles utilizing mainly semi-active radar homing. The mast also accommodates the AN/SPQ-9B radar, capable of horizon-range scanning while automatically detecting and tracking low-flying Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs), surface threats, as well as low-speed aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters simultaneously. Additionally, the ASEV model features the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6 modules (and the SEWIP Block 1B3 HGHS radar antenna radome on the mast)— the first international sale of the world’s premier shipboard electronic warfare system, further enhancing the vessel’s defensive capabilities. A hull-mounted sonar (HMS) is also visible on the model.
Japan ASEV Super Destroyer
The bow section accommodates a Mk45 Mod 4 5in gun and an impressive 64-cell VLS. Note the decoy launching systems forward of the superstructure and near the forward Phalanx CIWS.
Regarding the armament, for the first time on a Japanese AEGIS ship, the forward VLS will feature the same number of cells as the aft VLS — 64 cells (8×8) forward and 64 cells (8×8) aft — for a total of 128 cells. These will accommodate SM-3 and SM-6 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) as well as the future Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) to counter cruise missiles and advanced threats such as hypersonic weapons, as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range strikes against ground targets from outside the enemy’s threat range in island defense operations. With 128 cells, Japan’s ASEV joins Korea’s KDX III Batch II as the ships with the highest number of VLS cells in the world today, surpassing the Chinese Type 055 cruiser by 16 cells and the latest 170-meter Maya-class destroyers by 32 cells.
Another notable feature is the presence of two small gun turrets amidships, likely resembling the Mk46 30mm Gun Weapon System (GWS). These turrets could also indicate the installation of an unspecified remote weapon system (RWS) — a first for a Japanese destroyer. It should be noted that unlike previous designs, the two quad Type 12 anti-ship missile launchers located between the funnels. are partially enclosed by side structures, leaving only the top side exposed for missile launches — a measure likely intended to reduce the ship’s radar cross-section (RCS).
The Type 12 SSM launchers located between the funnels. are partially enclosed by side structures, leaving only the top side exposed for missile launches — a measure likely intended to reduce the ship’s radar cross-section (RCS).
Rear view of the ASEV model showcasing the aft AN/SPG-62 X-band radar illuminators, the 64-cell VLS, the rear Phalanx CIWS, and the twin helicopter hangar. Note the two small amidships gun turrets, likely resembling the Mk46 30mm GWS.
The rest of the ship’s primary armament follows the standard configuration of Japanese destroyers, including the Mk45 Mod4 127mm (5-inch)/62 naval gun at the bow and two Phalanx Block 1B CIWS, positioned forward of the bridge and above the helicopter hangar at the stern. It’s impressive how the Japanese rely on the Phalanx CIWS on even their newest warships rather than RAM or SeaRAM systems. No visible hatches can be seen for the torpedo launchers. The hangar can accomodate two SH-60 helicopters.
Background of ASEV destroyer program
Japan ASEV
Artist impression of two ASEV sailing alongside a JMSDF Maya-class DDG (shooting a missile) and a US Navy DDG 51 Flight III ship. Lockheed Martin image.
In December 2020, the Japanese government decided at a cabinet meeting to introduce two ASEVs as an alternative to the two land-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense systems, which had been canceled in June 2020 during the Shinzo Abe administration over concerns that falling components from missile interceptors might hit heavily populated areas in Japan.
The ASEVs are aimed at defending Japan from the threat of ballistic missile attacks, mainly by North Korea. The Ministry of Defense in Tokyo emphasizes that in order to intercept ballistic missiles launched on a lofted trajectory, the ASEVs, which have extremely high interception capabilities, are needed. The JMSDF is expected to take delivery of the first ASEV during fiscal year 2027, with the second one in the following fiscal year 2028.
In Tokyo, concerns are also growing over the rising cost of ASEV. Currently, the Ministry of Defense estimates that the acquisition cost for two ASEVs will be 783.9 billion yen ($5.23 billion) about 392 billion yen ($2.62 billion) per vessel. This is about 1.6 times higher than about 240 billion yen ($1.6 billion) per vessel that the Ministry of Defense envisaged when it decided to introduce them in 2020. The Ministry of Defense cites the effects of a weak yen and rising prices as reasons for this price hike. Of this, the contract price for the acquisition of AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antennas about 35 billion yen ($2.34 billion), and for the Aegis System is about 138.2 billion yen ($923 million).
Most recently, the Japanese Defense Ministry has secured 86.5 billion yen ($578 million) as expenses related to the acquisition of two ASEVs for fiscal year 2025, starting in April, Specifically, it made mention of costs associated with preparation for various tests, including demonstration tests.
Japan’s MoD Unveils Latest Image Of ASEV
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes the SPY-7 radar to be installed on two ASEVs has five times the tracking capability of the existing SPY-1 radar and can deal with not only ballistic missiles on lofted trajectories but also multiple ballistic missiles launched simultaneously.
The defense ministry plans to equip the ASEVs with the upgraded Type 12 SSM (ship-launched type), the Tomahawk cruise missile, and high-power laser system, which are scheduled to be installed on the ASEVs after 2032. Not only that, the defense ministry plans to install the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), a next-generation missile defense system, specifically designed to shoot down hypersonic missiles on the two ASEVs and the JMSDF’s Aegis destroyers.