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US Military to Accept F-35s Without New APG-85 Radar, Sources Say
The US military is preparing to accept newly manufactured F-35 jets without the new APG-85 radar system amid persistent development delays, leaving the Air Force and Marine Corps with aircraft that lack key capabilities needed for modern air combat.
Key Takeaways
- The APG-85 AESA radar is the central Block 4 upgrade needed for F-35 to compete against modern adversaries
- Aircraft accepted without the radar require expensive post-delivery modification center retrofits
- Rep. Wittman warns of having lots of aircraft that are not ready to go to the fight
- The Marine Corps F-35B is particularly affected as its amphibious role depends on full Block 4 capability
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DT Editorial AI··via breakingdefense.com