Navy Awarded Northrop Grumman $124 Million Radar Contract
The contract funds parts for 67 advanced radars to address recent F-35 delivery delays.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Military
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The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a $123.8 million contract to produce components for 67 AN/APG-85 radars. This funding aims to resolve critical supply issues that resulted in new F-35 fighter jets being delivered without their primary radar systems.
Why it matters
Developmental issues regarding cooling and power consumption delayed the production of the new APG-85 radar system. As a result, the military began accepting jets equipped with ballast instead of radars to maintain aircraft balance, necessitating future retrofits for the affected fleet.
The contract includes $66.5 million from the U.S. Air Force and $57.3 million from the U.S. Navy for the production of 67 units. Completion of this work is currently scheduled for February 2031.
The players
Northrop Grumman
This American multinational aerospace and defense technology company is the primary contractor tasked with developing the APG-85 radar.
Lockheed Martin
This global aerospace and defense firm is the primary manufacturer responsible for the assembly and delivery of the F-35 aircraft.
F-35 Joint Program Office
This Department of Defense entity manages the development, production, and sustainment of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program.
The details
The APG-85 radar is intended to replace the existing APG-81 model, but technical hurdles have forced Lockheed Martin to deliver some F-35B jets with nose ballast to maintain balance. While these units await radar installation, the Northrop Grumman contract will use fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement funds to supply necessary long-lead parts.
Timeline
February 2026: The first radar-less F-35B completed its acceptance flight.
June 23, 2026: The Senate held a hearing regarding the delivery of radar-less aircraft.
September 24, 2026: The U.S. Navy officially awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman.
2028: Lockheed Martin expects the nose bulkhead redesign to be ready for Lot 20 jets.
February 2031: Northrop Grumman is scheduled to conclude the contract work.
Political Context
This radar shortage highlights the recurring integration challenges inherent in the F-35 Joint Program Office development and acquisition protocols. Critics and lawmakers have raised concerns about the practice of accepting incomplete weapon systems that require extensive future retrofitting.
The contract ensures that the U.S. military can maintain the long-term operational capabilities of the F-35 fleet through eventual hardware upgrades. Taxpayers remain linked to these costs as the military works to rectify design delays for the aircraft in the national defense inventory.
The takeaway
The transition to new radar technology in complex defense programs often requires phased implementation and costly retrofitting. Defense contractors and the government must manage these development lags to ensure the readiness of the country's most advanced aerial platforms.
Further reading
For broader context on current defense procurement challenges, visit the Military section.
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Should the U.S. prioritize ongoing funding for advanced defense technology despite recurring development and production delays?
