Raytheon Technologies and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have partnered to upgrade the FA-50 light combat aircraft’s radar technology. Raytheon will equip the jet with its proprietary PhantomStrike radars, which provide long-range threat identification, tracking, and targeting.
Production will be carried out in the US states of Arizona, Mississippi, and Scotland, and the PhantomStrikes will be exported to the South Korean company as direct commercial sales products in partnership with the US government. Delivery is expected in 2025.
The PhantomStrike is a compact active electronically scanned array radar (AESA) with a lighter build that requires less power compared to similar solutions. Raytheon developed the radar for various defence platforms, including light-attack aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and ground-based towers.