Lockheed Martin taps Fujitsu as key partner in Japan’s defence radar supply chain

Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu have formalised a significant partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), appointing Fujitsu as a key supplier for the SPY-7 Subarray Suite Power Supply Line Replaceable Unit (PS LRU).

This agreement is set to support the Aegis System Equipped Vessel program, with purchase orders expected to commence later in 2025, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Paul Lemmo, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of local production, stating, “With the local manufacturing of key SPY-7 radar components, Japan can be assured that the system will receive full support and maintenance for decades. We are honored to contribute to the future of Japan’s defense industry and proud to help grow the country’s defense workforce.”

Echoing this sentiment, Tsuneo Hayashi, Corporate Executive Officer at Fujitsu, expressed pride in their role, saying, “Fujitsu is proud to be involved in producing the SPY-7 radar, particularly the vital PS LRU component. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Lockheed Martin to support the radar’s sustainment in Japan and enhance national security.”

This latest MOU builds upon an earlier agreement signed in 2024, aimed at expanding Lockheed Martin’s Industrial Cooperation initiatives in Japan. The collaboration focuses on increasing production and sustainment of solid-state radar systems domestically, underscoring Lockheed Martin’s commitment to bolstering Japan’s defense industrial base and workforce.

Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Japan spans over 30 years, during which it has delivered advanced systems and sensors for the Kongo, Atago, and Maya class destroyers. These longstanding ties continue to fortify Japan’s security in the 21st century.

The SPY-7 solid-state radar technology provides advanced detection and tracking capabilities, allowing users to respond swiftly and decisively to evolving threats by engaging multiple targets simultaneously. This collaboration with Fujitsu marks a critical step in ensuring Japan’s defense readiness for decades to come.

By Naila Huseynova