u/xXNightDriverXx

The Japanese ASEV (Aegis System Equipped Vessel) is a replacement for the cancelled Aegis Ashore program and will provide Ballistic Missile Defense for Japan. Note that the third picture doesnt show ASEV, it shows a Maya class DDG for size comparision.

The first ASEV ship had its keel laid on the 18th July, 2025, at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works. This is the ship and shipyard we see on the pictures above. The second ASEV vessel was laid down on 5th February 2026 at Japan Marine United Isogo shipyard in Yokohama City, south of Tokyo.

The steady construction process of the first vessel is clearly visible between the first and fourth pictures, though for now only the rear section of the vessel seems to have been assembled, up to the helicopter landing deck. The comparison with the Maya class DDG Haguro in the second and third photos illustrate the size difference, with the ASEV having around 70% more displacement (Maya: 8200 tons standard, 10.250 tons fully loaded; ASEV: estimated 14.000 tons standard). According to Naval News, who quote the Japanese Ministry of Defense (but provide no source), the first ship is supposed to be launched in Fiscal Year 2026 (the japanese FY goes from April to March, so the launch will probably happen in early 2027).

Source for the first 3 pictures is a japanese Twitter account, posted yesterday (I think the photo was also taken yesterday, but its not 100% clear or if it was only posted yesterday but is older).

Source for the last two pictures is a Naval News article from 27th March.