Japan unveils advanced destroyers to counter Asian threats
Japan is constructing two new, heavily armed ASEV-type (AEGIS System Equipped Vessel) destroyers. These vessels, which reportedly surpass even the Chinese Type 055 destroyers in armament, according to official statements, are intended to bolster the air defence and ballistic missile defence of the Japanese archipelago.
A model displaying the technical details of the ASEV-type destroyers was showcased at the IDEX 2025 fair in Abu Dhabi by Lockheed Martin, the company responsible for the AEGIS system installed on these vessels.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force currently operates eight missile destroyers of three different types in terms of size and capability – Kongo (4), Atago (2), and Maya (2). All are fitted with the AEGIS combat management system, ensuring air and ballistic missile defence for the ships and the entire area of operations in which they are deployed.
This development counters the advancement of Chinese and North Korean ballistic missiles and presents a challenge for Moscow, whose Pacific Fleet is increasingly lagging behind the potential of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force. This is significant given the situation where both countries – despite the end of hostilities in 1945 – have not signed an official peace treaty, and territorial disputes over the Kuril Islands remain unresolved.
New ships with AEGIS BMD
The land-based AEGIS Ashore system was meant to complement these forces (similar to the one at the American base in Poland, built in Redzikowo), but local protests forced authorities to abandon the construction of these installations. To make up for this, the decision was made to build new, large and heavily armed destroyers with the AEGIS BMD system, currently tentatively named ASEV type.
The classification is – like many other Japanese or Chinese ships – conventional. The Japanese destroyers will be notably larger than American cruisers and more heavily armed than Chinese Type 055 destroyers/cruisers, which are fitted with 112-cell VLS launchers.
Japanese ASEV super destroyers
According to the limited disclosed specifications, ASEV-type ships will have hulls measuring 190 metres, a displacement of 15,000-18,000 tonnes, and a 128-cell VLS launcher (two 64-cell modules at the bow and stern).
The launchers will feature anti-aircraft missiles such as ESSM, RIM-161 (SM-3), RIM-174 (SM-6), and also RGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Additionally, separate launchers will be installed for Japanese Type 12 anti-ship missiles with a range of 402 kilometres (ultimately 9,977 kilometres).
The cost of constructing the two ships is estimated at $5.63 (£4.4) billion. More than half of this amount is allocated to the AEGIS system components, such as the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar and the ship's battle management centre, provided by Lockheed Martin. The plan is for both vessels to enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
