FAA Launches Massive Radar Overhaul, Replacing 612 Outdated Systems by 2028

The $12.5 billion project aims to modernize the nation's aging air traffic control infrastructure.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:06pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex radar system with pulsing neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the modernization of the FAA's air traffic control infrastructure.The FAA's ambitious radar overhaul aims to replace aging infrastructure and enhance the reliability of the nation's air traffic control system.Newark Today

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a sweeping initiative to replace 612 outdated radar systems across the United States by the end of 2028. The $12.5 billion project, awarded to defense contractors RTX and Indra, will upgrade the decades-old technology that air traffic controllers rely on daily, addressing concerns over reliability, maintenance, and safety.

Why it matters

The FAA's radar network has struggled with aging infrastructure, with some systems dating back to the 1980s. Failures of these outdated systems have led to major disruptions, like the technical issues that caused thousands of flight cancellations and delays around Newark Liberty International Airport last year. This overhaul aims to modernize the air traffic control system and improve redundancy to enhance aviation safety nationwide.

The details

The FAA plans to replace 14 different radar systems currently in use with newer, more reliable technology. The agency has already committed over $6 billion to the project and estimates an additional $20 billion will be required to complete the nationwide upgrade by the 2028 deadline. The transition will involve replacing aging copper wiring with modern fiber optic connections and hiring a national security contractor, Peraton, to oversee the work.

  • The FAA announced the radar overhaul project on Monday, April 11, 2026.
  • The goal is to complete the replacement of all 612 outdated radar systems by the end of 2028.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation, including the air traffic control system.

RTX

One of the two defense contractors awarded the multi-billion-dollar contract to replace the FAA's outdated radar systems.

Indra

A Spanish defense and technology company that was awarded the contract alongside RTX to modernize the FAA's radar infrastructure.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who announced the FAA's radar overhaul project alongside FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Bryan Bedford

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, who stated that the agency's radar network is "long overdue for an upgrade."

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What’s next

The FAA has already made significant progress on the radar overhaul, replacing over a third of the outdated copper wires with modern fiber optic connections and hiring Peraton, a national security contractor, to oversee the work. The agency will continue to monitor the project's timeline and budget as it works to complete the replacement of all 612 radar systems by the end of 2028.

The takeaway

This massive radar system upgrade is a critical step in modernizing the nation's air traffic control infrastructure and enhancing aviation safety. While the ambitious timeline and significant cost raise questions, the FAA's commitment to this overhaul underscores the urgency of addressing the vulnerabilities in the current system, which has struggled with aging technology and reliability issues.