AN/APG‑85: Northrop Grumman’s Next‑Gen AESA Radar for the F‑35 Lightning II

Northrop Grumman Corporation, Falls Church, VA

Northrop Grumman is developing the next-generation radar for the F-35 Lightning II. (Image: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman Corporation is developing AN/APG-85, an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the F-35 Lightning II. Northrop Grumman currently manufactures the AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar, the cornerstone to the F-35 Lightning II’s sensor suite.

The AN/APG-85 is an advanced multifunction sensor that will be compatible with all variants of the F-35 aircraft and will be capable of defeating current and projected adversarial air and surface threats.

The development and integration of APG-85 will incorporate some of the latest technologies available and help ensure air superiority. This advanced sensor will provide unparalleled battlespace situational awareness that translates into platform lethality, effectiveness, and survivability.

Northrop Grumman plays a key role in the development, modernization, sustainment, and production of the F-35. In addition to producing the AN/APG-85 and AN/APG-81 radars, the company manufactures the center fuselage and wing skins for the aircraft, produces and maintains several sensor systems, avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies.

For more information, contact Cindy Anderson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 571-550-1814.