AN/APG-85

The AN/APG-85 is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar developed by Northrop Grumman for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. It is a further development of the AN/APG-81 and is intended to equip all three variants of the F-35 as part of the aircraft's Block 4 modernization, beginning with Lot 17 production. Northrop Grumman has described it as an advanced multifunction sensor intended to defeat current and projected air and surface threats and to improve the aircraft's battlespace situational awareness. Detailed performance specifications have not been disclosed and remain classified. Northrop Grumman publicly disclosed the radar in January 2023. Development delays subsequently made the timing of the radar's integration with the F-35 production schedule uncertain. Because the APG-85 requires a redesigned mounting that cannot accept the older APG-81, aircraft built for the new radar began to be delivered without any radar installed. As of June 2026, the United States Marine Corps had accepted six F-35B aircraft fitted with ballast in place of a radar, with United States Air Force and United States Navy aircraft expected to follow later in the year.