Radar Disadvantage: APG-81 vs. APG-85
¶ 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 with over 2,400 T/R modules, enabling a range increase of approximately 50% compared to the APG-81 [50]. The APG-85 was originally planned for Lot 17 (2025), but has been delayed and will possibly not be integrated until Lot 20 (2031+) [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) | >2,400 | ~50% more than APG-81 (~225 km) | GaN |
The Eurofighter CAPTOR-E also features a repositionable 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
Based on current knowledge, Switzerland as a non-NATO country will receive the F-35A with the older APG-81 radar -- in contrast to the surrounding NATO countries, which are expected to receive the newer APG-85. European alternatives such as the Eurofighter with CAPTOR-E already offer comparable or superior ranges today.
¶ References
[49] Northrop Grumman. AN/APG-81 AESA Fire Control Radar
[50] Radartutorial.eu. AN/APG-85 Radar
[51] Breaking Defense (June 2025). Exclusive: Eyeing Risk of Radar Delays, Lockheed Proposes New F-35 Fuselage Design
[52] Wikipedia. Euroradar CAPTOR
[53] Thales Group. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) RBE2 Radar