Why the F-35’s New “Super Radar” Is Forcing the Air Force to Use 20-Year-Old Tech

Why the F-35’s New “Super Radar” is Forcing the Air Force to Use 20-Year-Old Tech

Summary and Key Points: As of February 13, 2026, the U.S. Air Force has officially denied reports that it received F-35 fighters with “empty radomes.” -Instead, the USAF clarified that Lot 17 aircraft are currently delivering with the older AN/APG-81 radar sets due to developmental delays with the next-generation AN/APG-85. -This new radar, utilizing Gallium […] The post Why the F-35’s New “Super Radar” is Forcing the Air Force to Use 20-Year-Ol…

US Air Force Reportedly Rejects Radar-Less F-35 Lot 17 Jets Amid Block 4 Delays and APG-85 Setbacks

The United States Air Force (USAF) has reportedly refused to accept F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from the latest Lot 17 production batch that were delivered without onboard radars, adding a new layer of complexity to the already troubled Block… The post US Air Force Reportedly Rejects Radar-Less F-35 Lot 17 Jets Amid Block 4 Delays and APG-85 Setbacks appeared first on The Asia Live.

Whither the F-35's AN/APG-85?

With a radar or without, F-35A iron on the ramp is what some are voicing as a major Air Force need. A 24-page Long Term U.S. Air Fighter Force Structure […]