Raytheon upgrades KAI FA-50 combat aircraft with PhantomStrike radar
The FA-50 light attack aircraft is based on the T-50 trainer. (Photo: KAI)
Raytheon is to integrate its PhantomStrike fire control radar on the KAI FA-50 light attack aircraft.
Raytheon Technologies will outfit the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 light combat aircraft with its new PhantomStrike radar.
The AESA radar is a fully air-cooled fire-control radar designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting.
Thee US government has approved the product to be exported as a Direct Commercial Sale product to KAI.
PhantomStike can be integrated into light attack aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and ground-based towers as well.
‘Outfitting the FA-50 with the PhantomStrike radar upgrades the capability of a critical aircraft, providing unparalleled performance in a compact, affordable package,’ said Annabel Flores, president of Global Spectrum Dominance at Raytheon Technologies.
‘PhantomStrike makes it possible for KAI to offer high-performance fire control radar capabilities that can integrate with US and international weapon systems, so FA-50 customers maintain air dominance,’ she added.
Production of the radars will take place in Mississippi, Arizona and Scotland with support from Raytheon UK.
Initial deliveries are expected in 2025.
The FA-50 aircraft is based on the T-50 trainer's performance and an armament storing capability, but it has been further developed and upgraded with a tactical data link, precision-guided munitions, and a self-protection subsystem.
The aircraft has been deployed and operated in the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) since 2013.
More from Air Warfare
-
![How do we detect and defeat enemy drones?]()
How do we detect and defeat enemy drones?
Learn about the portfolio of sensors and effectors for the complete counter-UAS mission at Raytheon, an RTX business.
-
![BAE Systems lauds counter-UAS drone progression with live fire trials]()
BAE Systems lauds counter-UAS drone progression with live fire trials
The US-based tests successfully demonstrated the first live trial of a precision guided missile from a modified TRV-150 drone which destroyed both aerial and ground targets.
-
![Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership]()
Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership
Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie will be equipped with an Airbus-made mission system to be offered as a ‘European’ collaborative combat aircraft option to the German Air Force.
-
![Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights]()
Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights
The munitions variant of the Barrauda-100 autonomous air vehicle is being tested for the US Army’s High-Speed Manoeuvrable Missile (HSMM) testbed programme, with further flight tests expected in 2026.
