FAA Seeks Industry Input on Cybersecurity for National Airspace System

The agency aims to bolster security against growing cyber threats to aviation infrastructure.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:33am

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is surveying industry for technologies and expertise to strengthen cybersecurity across the National Airspace System (NAS), including risk assessment, penetration testing, and operational cyber defense for safety-critical aviation infrastructure. The FAA says the growing sophistication of cyber threats from nation-state actors and malicious groups is increasing the risk to the agency's information systems and operational networks that support safe and efficient air travel.

Why it matters

The FAA relies heavily on secure and resilient cyber infrastructure to operate the NAS, which includes critical systems like radar, air-to-ground communications, and air traffic control. Enhancing cybersecurity is crucial to protecting this vital aviation infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.

The details

The market survey seeks information from companies capable of supporting cybersecurity testing, operational security services, and independent risk assessments for NAS systems across multiple FAA domains, including operational NAS infrastructure, research and development environments, and mission-support IT systems. The effort is expected to include vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and cybersecurity control evaluations in operational technology environments like industrial control systems, SCADA networks, telecommunications, and aviation-specific systems.

  • The FAA is seeking initial responses by March 18, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. Eastern.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation, including the operation of the National Airspace System.

Elizabeth H. Williams

The primary point of contact for this FAA cybersecurity project inquiry.

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What’s next

The FAA will review the industry responses and may move forward with a contract to enhance cybersecurity capabilities for the National Airspace System.

The takeaway

As cyber threats to aviation infrastructure continue to evolve, the FAA is proactively seeking industry expertise to bolster the security and resilience of the critical systems that support safe and efficient air travel across the United States.