No Laser Weapon Retrofit
¶ 9. Radar Disadvantage: APG-81 vs. APG-85
¶ Current Radar APG-81
The F-35A is equipped with the Northrop Grumman APG-81 AESA radar (1,676 T/R modules, X-band). Over 1,000 APG-81 radars had been produced by December 2022 [49]. The APG-81 uses Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology.
¶ Planned Upgrade APG-85
The APG-85 uses more advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, which enables an estimated range increase of approximately 30% compared to GaAs [50]. The APG-85 was originally planned for Lot 17 (2025) but has been delayed and may not be integrated until Lot 20 (2031+) [50][51].
¶ Comparison with European AESA Radars
| Radar | Aircraft | T/R Modules | Range | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APG-81 | F-35A | 1,676 | >150 km (unconfirmed) | GaAs |
| CAPTOR-E | Eurofighter | >1,000 | >200 km (up to 370 km) | GaAs/GaN |
| RBE2-AA | Rafale | 838 | ~140 km | GaAs |
| APG-85 | F-35A (planned) | unknown | ~30% more than APG-81 | GaN |
Sources: [49][50][52][53]
The Eurofighter CAPTOR-E also features a swivelling antenna with a 200-degree field of view -- compared to approximately 120 degrees for fixed AESA systems such as the APG-81 [52].
¶ Swiss Context
It is unclear whether the Swiss F-35As from Lot 19-21 will be delivered with the APG-81 or already with the APG-85. A retrofit of earlier lots is not assured. Switzerland may therefore receive aircraft with the older radar -- while European alternatives (CAPTOR-E) already offer comparable or superior range capabilities.
Translated from the German version. See the German version for complete references.