Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (Nasdaq: KTOS) announced it provided target vehicles for the Japan Flight Test Experiment (JFTX)-01, a missile defense exercise conducted March 17 and 19 off the East Coast of the United States.

The exercise, led by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), involved the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and focused on testing Japan's Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) Shipset 1. Kratos supplied target vehicles for two tracking events that allowed the SPY-7 radar to detect, track, and deliver simulated engagement solutions.

The SPY-7 radar is derived from technology used in MDA's Long Range Discrimination Radar. The two tracking events concluded with virtual target engagements, generating datasets intended to support future ASEV development milestones and shipboard missile defense system deliveries.

"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.

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said the results "reaffirm Kratos' leadership in advancing national and global security," adding that affordability is a core element of the company's approach to developing operationally relevant target vehicles.

The San Diego-based company said the exercise supported ongoing technological cooperation between Japan and the United States in next-generation missile defense capabilities.