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SPY-6 backfit upgrades for Nimitz-class aircraft carriers to start in 2026

Jan 16, 2025 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces

The SPY-6 is the latest shipborne radar developed and manufactured by RTX, and deliveries have already begun for installation on the U.S. Navy’s newest Aegis destroyers and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. One of its key features is the ability to adjust its size according to the ship it is mounted on and the required capabilities. The SPY-6 forms a large radar antenna by combining small radar units called Radar Modular Assemblies (RMAs), each a 60 cm (1-foot) cube.
Mysterious new system aboard US aircraft carriers identified as MK24 MOD0 Radar

Jan 15, 2025 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces

In October 2024, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington entered the U.S. Navy’s Yokosuka base (U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka) in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The carrier is replacing the USS Ronald Reagan, which had been forward-deployed to Yokosuka since 2015. This marks the George Washington‘s second deployment to Japan, the first being in 2009. Notably, the vessel was equipped with a peculiar device.
Japan unveils first images of new Type 12 anti-ship missile tests

Dec 7, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Kosuke Takahashi

According to ATLA, five launch tests of the anti-ship missile were conducted to date, from early October to early November 2024 on Niijima Island, which faces the Pacific Ocean. The Type 12 SSM originally had a range of about 200 km. The new upgraded version aims to extend the range to at least 900 km, and eventually to 1,200 km. The shape of the missile has also been modified to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) and make it stealthy.
USS George Washington Returns to Japan After Nine Years, Begins Long-Term Forward Deployment in the Indo-Pacific

Nov 27, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Kosuke Takahashi

George Washington is the sixth vessel of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and was commissioned in 1992. It has an overall length of 333 meters, a beam of 76.8 meters, and a full-load displacement of approximately 104,000 tons. The carrier’s hangar and flight deck can accommodate a total of over 70 aircraft.
USS George Washington's Carrier Air Wing Returns to Japan with New Additions: F-35C and CMV-22B

Nov 24, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Carter Johnston |Richard Scott

CVW-5 was first deployed to Japan in 1973 alongside the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV 41) and has contributed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region for over 50 years. In May of this year, CVW-5 departed Japan together with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which had been forward-deployed to Japan since 2015. The wing conducted a “hull swap” with USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Reagan’s successor, transferring equipment and personnel in San Diego.
Japan Marine United Lifts Veil on New Fast Landing Craft

Oct 30, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Kosuke Takahashi

Named the “Caimen-Japan Fast Landing Craft,” this vessel is jointly developed by the UK-based ship design company BMT and JMU, with JMU handling the construction. It measures approximately 30 meters in length and 8 meters in width, capable of transporting two heavy-weight vehicles. The vessel boasts a speed of over 20 knots.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Unveils K-RACER-X2 VTOL UAV

Oct 28, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Kosuke Takahashi |Lee Willett

The K-RACER project originally began with the goal of developing a high-speed unmanned aircraft. At the defense equipment exhibition “DSEI Japan 2023,” held in March 2023 in Chiba Prefecture, the “K-RACER-X1,” which combined the advantages of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, was showcased. During the development process, however, it became clear that there was a high demand for heavy cargo transportation, leading to the development of the K-RACER-X2.
Japan Coast Guard will build the biggest patrol vessel in its history

Sep 17, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Kosuke Takahashi

The Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel or MPPV will be the largest vessel ever operated by the JCG The MPPV is an exceptionally large patrol vessel, measuring 199 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 30,000 tons. It can accommodate up to 1,000 people inside and has space for numerous vehicles. There will be a large flight deck, aft of the ship, capable of operating two helicopters simultaneously, along with a hangar that can house an additional three helicopters.
Italy's Aircraft Carrier Cavour is in Japan to Conduct Joint Exercises with JMSDF

Aug 24, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces

The two ships departed from Taranto, Italy, on June 1 and proceeded toward the Indo-Pacific region.
Video: Japan tests Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile - HVGP

Jul 8, 2024 | navalnews.com | Yoshihiro Inaba |Self-Defense Forces |Lee Willett |Eunhyuk Cha

The HVGP is a new weapon scheduled to be deployed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) starting in the fiscal year 2026. The hypersonic weapon is being developed for “island defense” roles. After being launched by a booster from a truck-mounted launcher, the warhead separates and glides to attack its target. The estimated range is approximately 900 km. The footage shows a test which was conducted on March 23, 2024, in California, USA.