Report: F-35 Deliveries at Risk as Radar Delays Threaten Combat Readiness

A serious concern is emerging within the U.S. defense establishment that dozens of stealth fighter jets of the F-35 Lightning II model, scheduled for delivery to U.S. military air arms in the coming months, may arrive without operational radar systems. This situation could render the aircraft unfit for combat missions, limiting their use to pilot training only.

According to a report by Breaking Defense, the issue stems from delays in the development and supply of the new AN/APG-85 radar, which is intended to replace the current AN/APG-81 radar. The APG-85, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, differs in size from its predecessor, it is slightly larger and requires a redesign of the aircraft’s radar housing. Although the Pentagon had established a project timeline, it has faced significant delays and setbacks.

As an immediate consequence, nearly 100 F-35 aircraft are expected to be delivered without radar systems. These aircraft would lose their operational certification and be usable solely for pilot training. It is estimated that the United States Marine Corps will be the first to receive radar-less F-35B variants within a few months, followed by aircraft designated for the United States Air Force and the United States Navy.

Lockheed Martin, the F-35 manufacturer, responded that it is prepared to meet all contractual obligations with the government and the radar supplier throughout every stage of implementing the required modifications to accommodate the new systems. 

The Joint Program Office (JPO) stated that, in calculating production-to-delivery timelines, it had accounted for potential gaps between aircraft readiness and the installation of certain capabilities, such as radar systems. The JPO also committed to accelerating production of the new radars and installing them in the aircraft to restore full operational capability.

Northrop Grumman declined to comment on the report. However, it has emerged that Lockheed Martin is considering designing and manufacturing a new radar housing that would allow installation of either radar system – the existing APG-81 or the new APG-85 – thereby preserving full operational availability of the fleet even in the event of future delays.