Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Air Force denies claims that some F-35A fighter jets were delivered without radar, specifically the AN/APG-85 AESA radar, amid ongoing development delays and cost overruns [1][3]. Group 1: Delivery and Radar Installation - Reports from "Daily Defense" suggested that all F-35A jets delivered by Lockheed Martin since June 2022 lacked radar due to installation structure compatibility issues with the existing APG-81 radar [3]. - An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the 17th batch of F-35A jets was delivered with the APG-81 radar and stated that the Air Force is collaborating with the F-35 Joint Program Office to advance the delivery of jets equipped with the APG-85 radar [3]. Group 2: Radar Development and Challenges - Northrop Grumman has been developing the new APG-85 radar since at least 2023 to replace the APG-81 radar used in all F-35 variants, as part of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade plan, which has faced delays and rising costs [5]. - Despite the Air Force's denial of "no radar delivery" claims, there are still questions regarding whether jets configured for the APG-85 can temporarily install the APG-81 radar during the transition period, and the complexity and impact of such modifications remain uncertain [5].