Raytheon unveils APG-82(V)X next-gen fighter radar

Raytheon has announced the latest evolution of its battle-tested APG-82 fighter radar, the APG-82(V)X. The new system, which is set to enhance the capabilities of F-15s and other aircraft, incorporates advanced gallium nitride (GaN) technology, promising a significant improvement in performance, range, and operational versatility, the company states in a September 23 press release.

The introduction of GaN is the key feature, allowing the radar to achieve greater detection range without a corresponding increase in power consumption. According to the company, this is critical for modern air warfare, ensuring pilots have a decisive edge. “The enhanced capability of this next-generation radar enables aircrew to detect and engage threats at longer ranges than ever before, providing a crucial first-look, first-shoot advantage,” said Dan Theisen, president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon. “As the threat environment evolves, this new radar will ensure faster decision making and superior situational awareness in contested environments.”

Development of the cutting-edge radar system has commenced at Raytheon’s facilities in El Segundo, California, with production planned to utilise the company’s established manufacturing lines in Forest, Mississippi. The APG-82(V)1 is used by the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX, it was selected under a 2009 contract to upgrade the US Air Force fleet of aircraft and provides improved performance in a number of areas. In 2019 Raytheon was also selected to upgrade the radars on the B-52 Stratofortress bomber, with a design that was based on the APG-82(V)1. 

The development of the APG-82(V)X was reportedly informed by the US Air Force, which indicated a desire for a more survivable, harder to detect radar. The existing system on the F-15 is relatively old, and operates in a radar band that Russia and China are used to looking for. It also does not employ technology to make it more difficult to intercept, TWZ reported. So, the new radar looks to address this, while extending the range to keep up with recent developments in the AMRAAM air-to-air missile. 

Tech profile: APG-82(V)X

Concept image of the APG-82(V)X from Raytheon.

The APG-82(V)X is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. These systems are already highly sophisticated, using thousands of miniature transmit and receive modules to rapidly steer beams, offering exceptional reliability and the ability to seamlessly switch between different functions. The new GaN-enhanced variant pushes this capability further. Many of Raytheon’s radars now use GaN, including the PhantomStrike radar, the LTAMDS radar, and the AN/SPY-6 family of radars that will equip US air defence destroyers. 

This means that these radars use transistors made from the semiconductor material gallium nitride (GaN) in its radio frequency power amplifier stages. This is a significant advancement over traditional radar systems that often use transistors made from silicon (Si) or gallium arsenide (GaAs) because GaN transistors can handle significantly higher voltages, which means they can emit stronger signals providing longer range and more detailed returns. GaN is also a more efficient material so less energy is wasted as heat, which likely contributes to the lower power demand

The APG-82(V)X is designed to deliver superior air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare functions simultaneously, enabling faster detection, tracking, and engagement of targets. In particular, it is aimed at combating the increasing proliferation of sophisticated aerial threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and advanced fighter aircraft.

The architecture of the new radar is both scalable and built on open standards, featuring improved processor speed and next-generation technology that is expected to provide substantial capability enhancements to both current and future fighter jets. This focus on open architecture is an increasingly common trend in defence procurement, allowing for more straightforward future upgrades and integration.

Calibre comment

Fourth generation aircraft like the F-15 family are facing a difficult future. The wider introduction of fifth generation aircraft into service – especially in China, but also in Russia – will make it harder for their own radars to find those aircraft. At the same time, those fifth generation aircraft will likely find it easier to detect and track their fourth generation targets. Improving the radar range and resistance to interception alongside improved range of weapons like the AMRAAM family may help to keep fourth generation aircraft relevant and capable in future conflicts. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 24, 2025. Credit for the lead image is: US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin. An F-15 Strike Eagle, assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, for refueling over the southeastern United States, Aug. 29, 2024.