The Japanese Ministry of Defense has confirmed that both Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) planned for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) have commenced construction, marking the full-scale start of their missile defense program.
The ASEV under construction at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki Shipyard (as seen in footage dated 2026/05/04) is noticeably larger than the "Hagi" currently undergoing outfitting in the adjacent dry dock. Additionally, a block resembling the upper structure (possibly the bridge section) can be seen ahead—clear images of the ASEV’s upper superstructure are visible, which will house the AN/SPY-7 active electronically scanned array radar (with two batches scheduled for delivery in 2026 and tracking tests to be conducted in March).
Japan is utilizing its own AEGIS combat management system (Baseline J7/OYQ-6) combined with the SPY-7 radar, making the ASEV CG-191 capable of delivering robust ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities. Equipped with 128 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, it also boasts formidable firepower.
Despite the massive hull size, the construction speed is remarkably fast.
After Japan's largest destroyer class, the Maya-class, this new vessel class is so large that it surpasses even one of today's largest cruiser classes—the Type 055.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864427044052996/
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