Radar for Polish FA-50PL Light Fighters Passes First Flight Tests

Raytheon has announced the successful first flight tests of its PhantomStrike radar, a lightweight, fully air-cooled active electronically scanned array (AESA) system designed for aircraft such as the FA-50PL light fighter.

In a press release, Raytheon, a division of RTX, said the radar tracked multiple aerial targets and delivered high-resolution terrain mapping during the tests.

PhantomStrike is the first fire-control radar of its kind to rely entirely on air cooling, allowing for lower weight and power consumption while maintaining the full capabilities of conventional AESA radars.

The company claims the system will cost nearly 50% less than radars such as the APG-82 and APG-79.

According to The War Zone, the radar weighs under 150 pounds (68 kilograms), making it suitable not only for light combat aircraft but also for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Built using gallium nitride (GaN) AESA technology, the radar offers enhanced range, improved target recognition, and faster scanning of airspace compared to older mechanically steered systems.

Its design also improves resistance to electronic interference and increases reliability due to the lack of moving parts and water-cooling systems.

The PhantomStrike radar is intended for Poland’s FA-50PL fighters, the upgraded variant of the Korean FA-50. Under a September 2022 agreement, deliveries of the FA-50PL are scheduled to begin in 2025. However, with radar testing still underway, early aircraft may be delivered either with initial versions of the radar or retrofitted later.

In a 2024 parliamentary address, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk criticized the FA-50 acquisition process, particularly the initial lack of integrated armament for the jets.

Poland has already received FA-50GF aircraft (GF standing for “gap filler”), an interim version before the arrival of FA-50PL. These jets can be armed with AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, Mk 82 bombs, JDAMs, and older AIM-9L/M Sidewinder missiles. However, the FA-50GF can only use the old, discontinued AIM-9L and M versions.

The FA-50PL variant will support the more advanced AIM-9X short-range missile. However, the integration of the AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missile was not included in the original contract and remains under review, with completion expected in three to four years.