It's Official: F-35s Are Now Being Delivered Without Radars

6 hours ago

The U.S. Marine Corps has accepted at least six F-35B jets without radars due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar development, with first production expected in 2028.
F-35 readiness rates are a concern: GAO reports a drop in full mission capable (FMC) rates from 38% to 25% (FY 2020-2025), while the F-35 JPO claims a 56% rate, highlighting methodological disputes.
The AN/APG-85 is part of the Block 4 upgrade, facing delays and cost overruns; integration requires enhanced cooling (62-80 kilowatts), but current systems only provide 32 kilowatts, risking performance without a power upgrade.
Radarless F-35s have limited capabilities but can share data via MADL if flying with radar-equipped jets; however, they lack electronic warfare functions and are not considered fully mission capable.
The F-35 program's total lifecycle cost is estimated at $2.1 trillion, including acquisition and inflation; spare parts shortages and maintenance challenges contribute to low readiness rates across all variants.

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