Phazotron's Zhuk-AME (FGA50) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar

The Russian Aerospace Forces will eventually update their MiG-29 and MiG-35 combat aircraft with the new Zhuk-AME AESA radar

Phazotron-NIIR's Zhuk-AME - also known as the FGA50 - active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is poised to begin trials, an industry source has confirmed to Jane's.

The new radar will be installed into the Russian Aerospace Forces' new MiG-35 multi-role combat aircraft and retrofitted as part of an upgrade program for the MiG-29 'Fulcrum'.

"Phazotron-NIIR is completing manufacture of the first AESA radar for the MiG-29," the source said. "In December we will assemble the unit and deliver it to the RSK MiG corporation that will integrate it onto a specially prepared fighter jet … and trials are scheduled for early 2019."

"The whole process is planned to be finished in two years - we will manufacture four radars, integrate them onto fighters and conduct [further] tests," said the source.

An export version of the Zhuk-AME - known as Zhuk-AMEh - was unveiled at Airshow China in 2016. According to the source, several foreign MiG-29 operators have expressed interest in the sensor, with one of these potentially fielding AESA-equipped 'Fulcrum' before Russia.

Performance details of the new system are scant, but the manufacturer claims the Zhuk-AME can detect aerial targets that are around 160 km away and can simultaneously track up to 30 targets.