“Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces a rapidly growing, complex and demanding aviation sector, with commercial air travel returning to pre-COVID levels and new entrants, including drones, advanced air mobility, and commercial space. The air traffic control system is based on outdated technologies that are unable to meet these demands. The system is showing its age – which leads to delays and inefficiencies.”

“This proposal seeks to transform the United States’ air traffic control system from its antiquated system to a modern system capable of meeting the demands of today and the future. This proposal will build a new, state of the art, air traffic control system that will enhance the safety and efficiency of our national airspace. ”
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-05/Brand%20New%20Air%20Traffic%20Control%20System%20Summary.pdf

*

“The plan is comprised of four infrastructure components:
1. Communications
2. Surveillance
3. Automation
4. Facilities”

“Critical actions include:
• Replacing antiquated telecommunications: with new fiber, wireless and satellite technologies at over 4,600 sites, 25,000 new radios and 475 new voice switches.
• Replacing 618 radars which have gone past their life cycle.
• Addressing runway safety by increasing the number of airports with Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) to 200.
• Building six new air traffic control centers for the first time since the 1960s and replacing towers and TRACONs.
• Installing new modern hardware and software for all air traffic facilities to create a common platform system throughout towers, TRACONs and centers.
• Addressing the challenges that face Alaska by adding 174 new weather stations. ”
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-unveils-plan-build-brand-new-state-art-air