FAA Taps RTX, Indra to Replace 612 Aging Radars: Will Air Travel Improve?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced major contracts to modernize the backbone of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system. The agency awarded radar contracts to RTX Corporation and Spanish firm Indra Sistemas. This move is a core part of the Trump administration’s ambitious brand-new air traffic control initiative.

The initiative aims to replace up to 612 aging radars across the country. This effort is crucial for enhancing the safety and efficiency of the US National Airspace System (NAS).

The Modernization Mandate

Many of the current ground-based radars date back to the 1980s. These legacy radar systems replacement units have exceeded their intended service life. This has resulted in skyrocketing maintenance costs and difficulty sourcing spare parts. In some cases, the FAA has even had to search for components on platforms like eBay.

Reliability issues from the outdated equipment have contributed to widespread disruptions. For example, radar failures at facilities supporting Newark Liberty International Airport caused significant delays and cancellations. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the network is “long overdue for replacement”. The new FAA air traffic control modernization program addresses this urgent need.

Technology and Timeline

The RTX and Indra radar contracts will facilitate a massive air traffic control overhaul. The goal is to replace all 612 radars by June 2028. This replacement process is scheduled to begin this quarter, prioritizing high-traffic areas.

RTX’s subsidiary, Collins Aerospace, secured a $438 million contract award portion of the program. Collins Aerospace will deploy next-generation cooperative and non-cooperative radar systems. These systems include the Collins Aerospace Condor Mk3 cooperative surveillance radar and the ASR-XM non-cooperative radar. Cooperative radars communicate directly with aircraft transponders. Non-cooperative radars detect aircraft via reflected signals.

Indra Sistemas, a global leader in ATC technology, will also supply modern, commercially available surveillance radars. The overall project is being funded by initial allocations from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which earmarked $12.5 billion for the ATC modernization. Peraton was previously named the Prime Integrator to oversee the construction of the new system.

Key Details

• The new systems will consolidate the current 14 different radar configurations into streamlined setups.
• This consolidation will significantly simplify maintenance and logistics for the FAA.
• The new radar systems are expected to provide more reliable and secure data to controllers.

Industry Impact and Benefits

This investment is critical for improving air travel system reliability and reducing operational costs. By replacing the fragmented legacy systems, the FAA expects to enhance aviation safety and efficiency across the NAS.

Airlines will benefit from fewer weather-related and equipment-related delays. Air traffic controllers will gain more precise tracking, especially at lower altitudes, and more dependable data. This modernization effort ensures the system is ready for future demands, including the growth of drones and urban air mobility.

The multi-contractor approach, utilizing RTX and Indra, marks a decisive step toward a resilient and future-proof airspace. As implementation moves forward, the upgrades are expected to deliver measurable gains for controllers, airlines, and the millions of passengers who rely on commercial aviation news and safe skies daily. For more updates on the global aviation industry, visit flying.flights.