The integration of U.S.-made Raytheon Technologies’ next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar into the FA-50 light combat aircraft (FA-50PL) for Poland is nearing completion. Raytheon’s PhantomStrike radar has successfully undergone flight testing, raising expectations for faster deployment in Korea. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) aims to deliver the export variant ‘FA-50PL’ on schedule, following the early delivery of the ‘FA-50GF.’
According to Raytheon on the 9th, the company recently completed the first flight test of the PhantomStrike radar using a multi-program testbed aircraft in Ontario, California. The radar successfully tracked multiple aerial targets and performed precise terrain mapping.
The PhantomStrike is a fully air-cooled radar capable of long-range threat detection, tracking, and targeting. Developed as the industry’s first compact AESA radar, it is smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient than comparable systems. It is suitable for various platforms, including light combat aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
Equipped with advanced features such as digital beam forming and steering, multi-mode functionality, and simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operation modes, the PhantomStrike offers faster and more agile radar performance at nearly half the cost of traditional fire-control radars.
Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon, stated, “This test demonstrates that PhantomStrike can provide enhanced situational awareness to a wide range of partners and allies, delivering superior performance at an affordable price.”
The initial batch of PhantomStrike radars is expected to be delivered in the first half of this year. The FA-50PL prototype has already undergone forward fuselage modifications to accommodate the radar. KAI plans to integrate the PhantomStrike into the FA-50PL to maintain high speed and agility while enhancing core capabilities.
KAI is set to deliver the FA-50PL to Poland in the fourth quarter of this year.
The FA-50PL is an enhanced variant of the FA-50 developed to meet Polish Air Force requirements. It incorporates a Link-16 tactical datalink for real-time data sharing and an AESA radar system. The aircraft is armed with GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, and features a helmet-mounted display (HMD). With air-to-air refueling capability and upgraded weapons systems for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, the FA-50PL demonstrates significantly improved combat performance. This multirole fighter is capable of conducting light attack, special operations, and combat missions, while maintaining high interoperability with F-16s – positioning it to become a cornerstone of Poland’s air combat capabilities.
