Partnering for Regional Strength: Lockheed Martin and Japan

 

The Indo-Pacific region, a critical hub of global trade and economic growth, is witnessing a significant surge in collaboration and cooperation among like-minded nations. At the heart of this development is Japan, a nation that has been steadily increasing its involvement in regional security initiatives, driven in part by its partnership with Lockheed Martin, a global leader in aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies.

Recent milestones, including the sale of the SEWIP system to Japan, the delivery of Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna to the Japan Ministry of Defense, showcasing maturity of the program, the country's inaugural participation in the Valiant Shield exercise, and the operation of an F-35 final assembly and check-out (FACO) facility in Nagoya underscore the critical significance of Japan in the Indo-Pacific, with Lockheed Martin playing a pivotal role in driving this collaboration.

Lockheed Martin's sale of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) system to Japan represents a major breakthrough in the country's efforts to bolster its maritime defense capabilities. This advanced electronic warfare system, developed by Lockheed Martin, enables ships to monitor the radio frequency environment in order to detect, analyze, and respond to incoming threats, providing a crucial layer of protection for naval vessels. The sale of SEWIP to Japan not only strengthens the country's naval capabilities but also demonstrates the deepening defense cooperation between the United States, Lockheed Martin, and Japan. This partnership is built on a shared commitment to regional security and stability, as all parties work together to counter emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin successfully delivered the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna to the Japan Ministry of Defense, marking a major milestone for the program, and the country's efforts to enhance its maritime defense capabilities. The ASEV complements and is complemented by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces’ (JMSDF) existing fleet of eight Aegis-equipped destroyers, for which Lockheed Martin has played a critical role as integrator and partner to the JMSDF for over 30 years.

As the primary contractor for the Aegis Combat System, Lockheed Martin has worked closely with the Japanese government to deliver a state-of-the-art air and missile defense system, providing Japan with the ability to detect and intercept air threats and ballistic missiles. This development is particularly significant in the context of the Indo-Pacific region, where the proliferation of ballistic missiles poses a growing concern for regional security. Japan's Aegis System Equipped Vessel is equipped with the highly advanced and scalable SPY-7 radar, serves as a powerful deterrent, demonstrating the country's commitment to defending its sovereignty and contributing to regional stability. Building on Lockheed Martin's legacy of innovation and expertise, we are proud to contribute to the enhancement of Japan's defense capabilities, playing a key role in bolstering the country's national security.

The introduction of the F-35 Lightning II to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) represents a significant leap forward in the country's air defense capabilities. As a participant in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, Japan has established a robust program of record, with plans to acquire 127 F-35 aircraft, comprising 105 F-35A models and up to 42 F-35B models. This substantial investment underscores Japan's commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats and solidifies its position as the largest international operator of the F-35.

As a testament to the strength of the US-Japan partnership, Nagoya, Japan, is home to one of three final assembly and check-out (FACO) facilities for the F-35 program. Through collaboration with Japanese industry, the FACO facility plays a critical role in delivering F-35A aircraft to the JASDF, while Japan's F-35Bs are produced at Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. This partnership not only enhances Japan's air defense capabilities but also demonstrates the deepening cooperation between the US, Lockheed Martin, and Japan, as they work together to address shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a historic first, Japan participated in the 2024 Valiant Shield exercise, a biennial military training event led by the United States, with Lockheed Martin providing critical support and expertise. This exercise brings together a coalition of nations to practice joint military operations, fostering cooperation and interoperability among participating forces. Lockheed Martin's involvement in Valiant Shield underscores the company's commitment to driving collaboration and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, to address common security challenges. By engaging in complex military training exercises with the United States and other partner nations, Japan is strengthening its ability to respond to emerging threats and reinforcing its commitment to regional security, with Lockheed Martin's innovative solutions and expertise playing a vital role.

The enduring partnership between Lockheed Martin and Japan serves as a beacon of security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Through its work with Japan, Lockheed Martin has and continues to demonstrate  its commitment to driving innovation and collaboration, delivering advanced technologies and solutions that enable Japan to enhance its maritime defense capabilities, and contribute to regional stability. As the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region continues to evolve dynamically, the collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Japan will remain a critical factor in promoting regional security and prosperity, inspiring confidence in the ability of nations to work together to address the complex challenges of the 21st century. With Lockheed Martin at the forefront, the future of Japan's role in the Indo-Pacific region looks brighter than ever, driven by a shared commitment to innovation, cooperation, and security.