The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a US$438 million contract to Collins Aerospace for the renovation of radar infrastructure.
Under the Radar System Replacement programme, the FAA is investing in radar to improve the operational readiness of air traffic control. Next-generation tech will support the upgrade, including Collins’s co-operative and non-co-operative radar systems. A single architecture will be used instead of the current fragmented legacy structure.
Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, said:
As a trusted supplier to the FAA for more than 70 years, Collins is ready to rapidly deploy next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a single, modern and interoperable solution. These systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enhance safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, reduce long-term costs, and ensure the system is prepared for the future of the National Airspace.
Condor Mk3 and ASR XM radar systems are among those included as part of the contract. Together, they will facilitate more precise aircraft tracking, especially at lower altitudes. Collins Aerospace is a subsidiary of RTX, which already has over 550 radar systems operating across the US.
Modernisation of American air traffic control has become an increasing priority in recent years. In 2025, Congress approved a US$12.5 billion modernisation plan for upgrading infrastructure across the country. Meanwhile, the government has also attempted to expedite the training of air traffic controllers, with a shortage of trained personnel also affecting the FAA’s efficiency in flight management.
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