Japan’s ASEV Super Destroyer: Fresh Details Unveiled

At the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, a mock-up of Japan’s under-development AEGIS System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) was displayed. The stealth guided-missile destroyer that will specialize in ballistic missile defense (BMD) — larger than any other destroyer in the world, excluding the unique Zumwalt-class of US Navy — revealed intriguing details about the configuration of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) so-called “super destroyer.” With capabilities and size seemingly surpassing China’s Renhai-class (Type 055) 180-meter cruiser, the ASEV is set to become a symbol of pride for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). My story (together with Kosuke Takahashi) for Naval News, here.