The Missile Defense Agency led the Japan Flight Test Experiment-01, or JFTX-01, in cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Kratos provided target vehicles for two tracking events that allowed SPY-7 to detect and track the targets before generating simulated engagement solutions.
The tests produced data covering search, detection, identification and tracking in complex operational environments. Both events concluded with virtual target engagements, providing datasets for performance evaluation, risk reduction and future ASEV development milestones.
“Our team’s proven ability to rapidly deliver reliable, mission-relevant target vehicles was central to the success of JFTX-01,” said Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services. “Kratos target vehicles provide realistic threat representation, ensuring allied navies can test and validate advanced tracking and engagement solutions with confidence.”
SPY-7 is a next-generation component of the Aegis Weapon System and uses technology derived from the Missile Defense Agency’s Long Range Discrimination Radar. The JFTX-01 campaign was designed to generate information needed to advance Japan’s shipboard missile defense capability and inform future system deliveries.
The experiment also highlighted continuing missile defense technology cooperation between the United States and Japan. Kratos said its target vehicles provided operationally relevant representations needed to evaluate the radar and simulated engagement process.
“At Kratos, we are dedicated to investing in and deploying real, mission-relevant products and systems that strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. warfighter and our allies,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos. “Our history of rapid development and fielding, combined with affordability as a technology, ensures that systems like Aegis are tested using operationally relevant target vehicles leading to maximum tactical readiness.”
“This JFTX-01 achievement reaffirms Kratos’ leadership in advancing national and global security,” DeMarco said. The test results will support further evaluation and development work as Japan progresses with its Aegis System Equipped Vessel program.
