F-35 lightning II's AN/APG-81 radar redefines air combat superiority

The US F-35 Lightning II fighter jet's power isn't just in its stealth or speed but in its unrivaled radar system, the AN/APG-81, developed by Northrop Grumman. This cutting-edge radar transforms the F-35 into a multi-domain combat platform, allowing it to detect and track threats—such as enemy destroyers—long before visual contact.

Key to the F-35's dominance is the AN/APG-81’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, which enables simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground surveillance, Army Recognition writes. 

The radar can map terrain, detect moving ground targets, track low-observable airborne threats, and identify cruise missiles in real time—all without needing to switch radar modes. This constant situational awareness is vital in fast-changing combat scenarios. 

The radar operates in both active and passive modes, allowing the F-35 to detect enemy emissions without revealing its position, critical for stealth in contested environments. It also integrates seamlessly with the F-35's mission systems, fusing data from multiple sensors to provide a comprehensive, prioritised tactical picture, reducing pilot workload and speeding up decision-making.

One of the radar’s standout features is its integrated electronic attack capability, which can jam or degrade enemy air defences, including advanced systems like the Russian S-400 and Chinese HQ-9. This makes the F-35 a formidable force in anti-access/area denial zones, offering a decisive first-look, first-shot, first-kill advantage.

While other aircraft, such as the F-16 and F/A-18, also feature AESA radars, the APG-81's advanced integration and multi-role functionality set it apart. Foreign competitors like Russia's Su-57 and China’s J-20 have AESA radars, but their capabilities remain unverified and may not match the F-35’s proven performance.

With the upcoming Block 4 software upgrade, the APG-81 will gain even more advanced capabilities, including enhanced electronic attack modes, higher-resolution radar imaging, and adaptive target recognition powered by machine learning.

These upgrades ensure that the radar remains a cutting-edge tool, keeping the F-35 ahead of emerging threats into the 2030s.

By Sabina Mammadli