Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin and Japan Strengthen Indo-Pacific Defense Ties
Strategic collaboration enhances Japan’s defense with F-35 jets, SEWIP systems, and SPY-7 radar, boosting regional security and industrial growth.
Partnering for Regional Strength: Lockheed Martin and Japan in the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the eastern coast of Africa through the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, has emerged as a focal point of global economic and strategic interests. With over 60% of the world’s GDP and more than half of global maritime trade passing through this region, stability and security here are essential to global prosperity. Japan, as one of the most technologically advanced and economically robust nations in the region, plays a pivotal role in maintaining that stability.
Lockheed Martin, a leading U.S. defense and aerospace company, has been a key partner in Japan’s journey to enhance its defense posture. Through a series of strategic collaborations, including cutting-edge technologies like the F-35 Lightning II, the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV), and the SEWIP system, Lockheed Martin has helped Japan build a diversified and modern defense infrastructure. This partnership underscores the broader geopolitical alignment between the U.S. and Japan, emphasizing a shared commitment to peace, security, and technological advancement in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening Maritime Defense: SEWIP and Aegis Systems
SEWIP: Enhancing Electronic Warfare Capabilities
The Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP), developed by Lockheed Martin, is a critical component in modern naval defense. Japan’s acquisition of SEWIP marks a significant leap in its maritime self-defense capabilities. The system allows ships to detect, analyze, and respond to electronic threats in the radio frequency spectrum, enhancing situational awareness and survivability in contested environments.
By integrating SEWIP into its naval forces, Japan not only boosts its defensive capabilities but also aligns itself closely with U.S. naval standards, enabling better interoperability during joint operations. This acquisition reflects the growing defense cooperation between the two nations and Japan’s proactive approach to maritime security amid rising regional tensions.
Lockheed Martin’s delivery of SEWIP to Japan is more than a transaction, it’s a strategic move that enhances regional deterrence and showcases the depth of trust between the partners. As maritime threats evolve, electronic warfare systems like SEWIP will be central to maintaining an edge in naval operations.
“The SEWIP system is a game-changer for Japan’s maritime forces, offering real-time threat detection and electronic countermeasures essential for modern naval warfare,” Lockheed Martin
ASEV and SPY-7 Radar: A Technological Milestone
In early 2025, Lockheed Martin delivered the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, marking a milestone in the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) program. The SPY-7 radar, known for its scalability and advanced tracking capabilities, is designed to detect and intercept both air and ballistic missile threats. This system complements Japan’s existing fleet of eight Aegis-equipped destroyers, reinforcing the nation’s layered missile defense architecture.
For over three decades, Lockheed Martin has served as a key integrator for Japan’s maritime defense systems. The ASEV, equipped with SPY-7, represents the next evolution in this long-standing partnership. It serves as a powerful deterrent against regional threats, particularly in a security environment marked by missile proliferation and contested maritime zones.
Japan’s investment in the ASEV program is a strategic response to its evolving defense needs. With Lockheed Martin’s support, the country is not only acquiring hardware but also gaining access to decades of expertise in systems integration and operational readiness.
Air Superiority and Industrial Collaboration: The F-35 Program
Japan’s F-35 Fleet: A Strategic Investment
Japan’s commitment to the F-35 Lightning II program is one of the most visible indicators of its defense modernization strategy. With plans to acquire 147 F-35 aircraft, 105 F-35A and up to 42 F-35B models, Japan is the largest international operator of the fifth-generation fighter jet. This investment, valued at over $40 billion, reflects both strategic necessity and industrial ambition.
The F-35 offers stealth, advanced sensors, and networked capabilities that are essential for modern air combat. For Japan, these aircraft enhance its ability to defend its airspace and contribute to joint operations with allies. Moreover, the F-35B’s short takeoff and vertical landing capability allows for flexible deployment from shorter runways and naval vessels.
Participation in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program also ensures that Japan remains integrated with U.S. defense standards and operational doctrines. This alignment is crucial for interoperability in joint missions and regional exercises.
FACO Facility in Nagoya: Localizing Production
Japan’s role in the F-35 program extends beyond procurement. The Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility in Nagoya is one of only three such facilities globally. Operated in collaboration with Japanese industry, the FACO assembles F-35A aircraft for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), contributing to local job creation and technology transfer.
This facility symbolizes the industrial depth of the U.S.-Japan defense partnership. It enables Japan to maintain, upgrade, and potentially export advanced aircraft, reinforcing its position as a regional defense hub. Meanwhile, the F-35Bs are produced at Lockheed Martin’s plant in Fort Worth, Texas, ensuring a balanced distribution of responsibilities and benefits.
The FACO model showcases how defense collaboration can drive economic and technological gains. It also supports Japan’s broader goal of developing a self-reliant and resilient defense industrial base.
“Our commitment to Japan goes beyond business, it is about shared values and a mutual vision for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” Lockheed Martin Spokesperson
Joint Operations and Regional Stability
Valiant Shield: Japan’s First Participation
In 2024, Japan participated for the first time in the Valiant Shield exercise, a biennial U.S.-led military drill aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities. Lockheed Martin played a key role in supporting this initiative, offering logistical, technological, and operational expertise.
Valiant Shield involves air, sea, and land forces from multiple nations and focuses on real-time interoperability and threat response. Japan’s inclusion underscores its growing role in regional security and its readiness to operate alongside allies in complex scenarios.
Lockheed Martin’s support in such exercises is instrumental in ensuring that participating forces can leverage advanced technologies effectively. These joint drills not only build trust but also prepare nations to respond collectively to emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Vision and Future Outlook
The partnership between Japan and Lockheed Martin is evolving to meet the demands of a changing strategic environment. In 2024, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on next-generation defense technologies, including autonomous systems and advanced missile defense solutions.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has increased its defense budget to approximately $55 billion for FY2024, reflecting a clear prioritization of capabilities that align with Lockheed Martin’s offerings. This includes integrated systems that combine artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and multi-domain operations.
Experts like Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka of the University of Tokyo emphasize that such partnerships are not just about technology but about shaping the regional balance of power. Lockheed Martin’s integration into Japan’s defense ecosystem is seen as a force multiplier for regional stability.
Conclusion
The strategic collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Japan represents a cornerstone of regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Through advanced systems like SEWIP, SPY-7, and the F-35, Japan is enhancing its defense posture while fostering interoperability with key allies. These developments are not isolated, they are part of a broader trend toward integrated, multi-domain defense solutions.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, partnerships rooted in mutual trust and technological innovation will be essential. Lockheed Martin and Japan are setting a precedent for how nations can collaborate to meet complex security challenges while also driving industrial growth and innovation. The future of this alliance looks strong, with shared values and strategic alignment guiding the way forward.
FAQ
What is the SEWIP system and why is it important to Japan?
SEWIP (Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program) enhances Japan’s naval defense by detecting and responding to electronic threats, increasing situational awareness and survivability.
How many F-35 aircraft is Japan acquiring?
Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35 aircraft, including 105 F-35A and up to 42 F-35B models, making it the largest international operator of the F-35.
What is the significance of the Aegis System Equipped Vessel?
The ASEV, equipped with the SPY-7 radar, strengthens Japan’s missile defense and complements its existing Aegis destroyers, enhancing layered defense capabilities.
How does the FACO facility in Nagoya contribute to the partnership?
The FACO facility assembles F-35A aircraft locally, contributing to Japan’s defense industry, technology transfer, and job creation.
What role did Japan play in the Valiant Shield exercise?
Japan participated for the first time in 2024, with Lockheed Martin providing support, enhancing joint operational readiness with allied forces.
Sources: Lockheed Martin, Japan Ministry of Defense, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), University of Tokyo, Lockheed Martin 2023 Annual Report
Photo Credit: LockheedMartin
Defense & Military
Boeing MQ-25A Stingray Aboard USS Nimitz at FLEETEX 250
Boeing’s MQ-25A T1 demonstrator appeared on USS Nimitz during FLEETEX 250, weeks after Navy LRIP approval.
The Boeing Company’s MQ-25A Stingray T1 demonstrator drone appeared aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Atlantic Ocean on June 25, 2026, sporting special commemorative markings for the United States’ 250th anniversary. The uncrewed aircraft was photographed alongside Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornets and a Grumman C-2A Greyhound during a multinational group sail event.
The deployment provides a visual representation of the United States Navy’s future carrier air wing as the MQ-25 program transitions into its next production phase. Boeing Defense and the Navy publicly released imagery of the static display on June 29, 2026.
FLEETEX 250 and commemorative display
The T1 prototype was painted in a plain gray livery and featured “250” and “Boeing Backs America” markings. In a statement released on the social media platform X, Boeing Defense noted that the display was intended to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial and offer a glimpse of future carrier operations.
The USS Nimitz hosted the drone during Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250. A Navy spokesperson told TWZ that the exercise involved 25 other warships and aircraft from 13 partner and allied nations conducting structured training events at sea. The spokesperson confirmed the presence of the Boeing-owned T1 prototype on the flight deck.
Aviation analysts at The Aviationist observed that the drone lacked the Cobham Aerial Refueling Store (ARS) pod, which is typically mounted under the left wing for refueling operations. The T1 demonstrator has never taken off from or landed on an aircraft carrier and was transported aboard the USS Nimitz for the exercise. It remains unconfirmed whether the uncrewed aircraft actively participated in any operational drills or if its presence was strictly for static display and photo opportunities.
Program milestones and carrier transitions
The appearance of the T1 demonstrator follows several recent advancements for the MQ-25 program. The Boeing-owned prototype originally flew on September 19, 2019, and previously conducted flight deck handling and remote control system demonstrations aboard the USS George H.W. Bush in December 2021.
On April 25, 2026, the first production-representative MQ-25 completed its maiden flight from Boeing’s facility at MidAmerica Airport in Illinois. The following month, the Navy officially approved the uncrewed tanker program’s transition into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
The FLEETEX 250 exercise also marked a significant operational transition for the Navy’s legacy aircraft. On June 25, 2026, the Grumman C-2A Greyhound made its final catapult launch and arrested landing from a carrier aboard the USS Nimitz. The C-2A is anticipated to be fully retired later in the year.
AirPro News analysis
The static display aboard the USS Nimitz offers a stark visual contrast between the Navy’s past and its immediate future. Placing the MQ-25A Stingray next to the retiring C-2A Greyhound highlights the physical footprint required to integrate advanced uncrewed assets into the carrier air wing. While the T1 demonstrator’s presence was largely ceremonial for the 250th anniversary, the recent approval for Low-Rate Initial Production indicates that the logistical and operational challenges of deploying uncrewed tankers at sea are moving from theoretical testing to active fleet integration. We expect the focus to shift rapidly toward deck handling and maintenance procedures for the production-representative models in the coming months.
Sources: Boeing Defense
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
NATO Expected to Select Saab GlobalEye to Replace AWACS Fleet
NATO is set to announce the Saab GlobalEye as its E-3A Sentry replacement at the July 2026 Ankara summit, bypassing Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters by Sabine Siebold and Tim Hepher.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is preparing to select the Saab GlobalEye to replace its aging fleet of Boeing E-3A Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, marking a significant shift toward European defense procurement. The official announcement is expected during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, scheduled for July 7 and 8, 2026.
According to reporting by Reuters, four sources familiar with the matter indicated that the alliance will pivot away from its previous intention to acquire the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail. The decision represents a major defense contract for Sweden-based Saab AB and a notable setback for The Boeing Company in the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) market. Neither NATO nor Saab has officially commented on the pending announcement.
Transitioning from the E-3A Sentry
NATO currently operates a fleet of 14 Boeing E-3A Sentry AWACS aircraft. Based at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany, these aircraft have been in service since 1982 and are approaching the end of their operational lifespan. The Saab GlobalEye, which completed its first flight in 2018, utilizes a modified Bombardier Global 6000 or 6500 business jet airframe equipped with Saab’s Erieye extended-range radar system.
The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail fallout
The anticipated selection of the GlobalEye follows a series of procurement shifts regarding the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail. NATO had initially planned to purchase six E-7 aircraft to replace the E-3A Sentry fleet. The alliance abandoned this plan in 2025 after the United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) canceled its own procurement of 26 Wedgetails in favor of satellite-based surveillance networks.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated to Congress in May 2026 that the Pentagon is attempting to reinstate the E-7 into the budget following pressure from U.S. lawmakers. Despite these efforts, international momentum appears to be shifting toward the Swedish manufacturer. On May 27, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the Government of Canada had entered formal negotiations with Saab as the preferred supplier for its own AEW&C program, bypassing the Boeing platform.
AirPro News analysis
We view NATO’s expected selection of the Saab GlobalEye as a critical indicator of changing procurement dynamics within the alliance. Historically, NATO has relied heavily on U.S.-manufactured heavy surveillance platforms. The shift to a European-integrated system on a Canadian business jet airframe suggests a growing preference for diversified defense supply chains and potentially lower operating costs compared to commercial airliner-based platforms like the E-7. If confirmed at the Ankara summit, this contract will solidify Saab’s position as a primary competitor in the global AEW&C market while placing additional pressure on Boeing’s defense sector to secure international orders for the Wedgetail program.
Sources: Reuters
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
UK Commits 5 Billion to Drones in 298 Billion Defence Plan
The UK Ministry of Defence unveils a 298 billion Defence Investment Plan, including 5 billion for uncrewed and autonomous systems.
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence committed £5 billion to uncrewed and autonomous systems as part of a broader £298 billion Defence Investment Plan unveiled on June 29 and June 30, 2026. The funding marks the largest drones procurement initiative in British military history, signaling a strategic pivot toward hybrid crewed and uncrewed operations across the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army.
Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, the four-year spending blueprint aims to modernize depleted armed forces by applying direct lessons from recent conflicts. According to official government statements, the plan establishes a new Uncrewed Systems Taskforce to accelerate the deployment of autonomous capabilities and includes the opening of Europe’s largest drone testing facility, the Uncrewed Systems Centre, in Swindon, England.
Strategic shift toward autonomous warfare
The £5 billion allocation specifically targets the rapid acquisition and deployment of strike, protector, and surveillance drones. The Ministry of Defence explicitly cited the ongoing war in Ukraine, where forces consume approximately 200,000 drones per month, and recent Middle East conflicts involving the launch of up to 700 offensive drones per day, as the primary drivers for this doctrinal shift.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis outlined the scope of the hardware acquisition during his parliamentary statement, noting the funding will cover anti-submarine vessels, uncrewed ground vehicles, and autonomous systems designed to operate alongside traditional fighter jets.
In a press release detailing the operational integration of these new assets, the Ministry of Defence stated:
“The £5 billion investment will see Britain build a flexible, integrated force with attack drones flying alongside Army helicopters, RAF jets made invisible from enemy detection with new drones, and a hybrid Royal Navy made up of crewed and uncrewed vessels.”
Aerospace and naval procurement allocations
Beyond the dedicated drone funding, the Defence Investment Plan outlines significant capital for traditional and next-generation aerospace programs. The government allocated £8.6 billion to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint venture with Italy and Japan to develop the Tempest sixth-generation fighter jet. An additional £300 million is earmarked specifically for the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which will fly in tandem with crewed fighters.
The broader £298 billion package, which targets a defense spending level of 2.7 percent of the national gross domestic product, includes £64 billion to renew the nuclear deterrent, build new submarines, and procure Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning jets. Space capabilities will receive £3.2 billion, while £11 billion is dedicated to replenishing munitions and weapons stockpiles.
The integration of autonomous systems is also reshaping naval procurement. Defense industry reports indicate the Royal Navy is shifting its surface fleet strategy, opting to forgo the previously planned Type 83 destroyers. Instead, the service will pursue at least six new hybrid air defense warships engineered specifically to operate in concert with uncrewed maritime vessels.
AirPro News analysis
We note that while the UK government is framing the £15 billion funding boost over previous budget estimates as a historic modernization effort, it falls short of the £28 billion originally requested by defense officials. This discrepancy suggests that despite the heavy emphasis on rapid, low-cost autonomous systems, the Ministry of Defence may still face procurement gaps in its traditional, long-term acquisition programs.
The timing of the announcement carries significant political weight. With Prime Minister Starmer reportedly preparing to step down, the Defence Investment Plan is positioned as a capstone legacy project. However, the heavy reliance on uncrewed systems like the StormShroud autonomous collaborative platform reflects a permanent doctrinal shift for the UK military. The strategy clearly moves away from relying solely on exquisite, low-volume crewed platforms, pivoting toward mass-producible autonomous assets that can sustain the high attrition rates observed in modern combat environments.
Sources: UK Ministry of Defence
Photo Credit: Stock Image
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