Image source: topwar.ru
The US Air Force has completed the first stage of equipping F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters with the latest radar stations with an active phased array antenna (AFAR). The new radar was received by fighters from the US National Guard.
Northrop Grumman has completed equipping 72 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters of the National Guard with a new AN/APG-83 SABR radar with an active phased array. It is assumed that the upgraded fighters were able to intercept cruise missiles.
For the first time, it became known about equipping F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters with a new AFAR radar in 2017. At that time, the US Department of Defense intended to conclude a contract with Northrop Grumman for the installation of APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) radars on fighters. Initially, it was about 72 F-16 fighters of the US National Guard, as well as the possible installation of new radars on a new modification of the F-16 Viper.
In 2019, the US Air Force and Northrop Grumman signed a contract providing for the organization of the production of new radars and their installation on F-16 fighters. As part of the new program, the US Air Force should receive 372 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters with the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) installed. The cost of the contract is slightly more than $ 1 billion, the conversion of aircraft should be completed by 2027.
The F-16 is a multifunctional light fighter of the fourth generation. It entered service with the US Air Force in 1979 and to this day is one of the most advanced combat vehicles. According to the World Air Forces 2020 handbook, the US Air Force has 790 fighters of this type in service.
