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The article focuses on the addition of active electronically-scanned array (aesa) radars to fighter planes. A background on the development of the equipment is provided, with emphasis on the AN/APG-63(V)2 and aesa-equipped fighter planes. The passive electronically-scanned array in Thales RBE2 in Rafale is described together with the next generation of fighters, the F-35 Lightning II and the Sukhoi T-50, that are lined up for aesa application. Several upgraded radars are mentioned such as the Scalable Agile Beam Radar and Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar.

The article focuses on the development of a radar program that will use the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. Although the applications of electronic scanning were appreciated, the AESA technology was seen as a high risk project. The latest AESA fighter radar under development in the U.S. is the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN/APG-81.