Kratos target systems utilized during successful MDA-joint flight test experiment-01 Mission

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has announced its role in supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) during the Japan Flight Test Experiment (JFTX)-01, conducted March 17 and 19 off the East Coast of the United States.

JFTX-01 marks an important step in the testing of Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) Shipset 1, validating next-generation radar and missile defense capabilities. In collaboration with MDA and JMSDF, Kratos provided target vehicles for two tracking events, enabling the SPY-7 radar, a key next generation component of the Aegis Weapon System, to successfully detect, track, and deliver simulated engagement solutions. The exercise generated key datasets supporting system performance evaluation and risk reduction ahead of 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.”

JFTX-01, led by MDA, showcased ongoing technological cooperation between Japan and the United States. Kratos target vehicles enabled the SPY-7 radar, built on technology derived from MDA’s Long Range Discrimination Radar, to collect critical data on search, detection, identification, and tracking in complex operational environments. The two live tracking events concluded with virtual target engagements, providing Japan and its partners with datasets needed to advance shipboard missile defense and inform future system deliveries.

“At Kratos, we are dedicated to investing in and deploying real, mission-relevant products and systems that strengthen the capabilities of the US 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.”