Rohde & Schwarz USA Awarded $4.9 Billion Contract for Air Traffic Control Voice Systems Upgrade

Rohde & Schwarz USA has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a significant contract, potentially worth up to $4.9 billion, to replace the country's aging analog air traffic communication infrastructure with its CERTIUM Voice Communication System.

The initiative is part of the FAA's Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) program, aiming to modernize the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) and enhance the safety and reliability of air traffic control operations. The deployed systems adhere to the ED-137 standard, with the first system becoming operational in September 2025 at Allegheny County Airport.

Manufacturing for the new systems will take place at Rohde & Schwarz USA's recently opened facility in Frederick, Maryland, and an expanded site in Coppell, Texas. This investment, totaling $40 million, is intended to bolster domestic production capabilities and is projected to create over 200 new skilled jobs. Frank Dunn, President & CEO of Rohde & Schwarz USA, highlighted the project's role in re-establishing U.S. expertise in this sector.

Rohde & Schwarz USA, a long-term partner to U.S. government and critical infrastructure organizations, is investing in American engineering and manufacturing. The company's global parent, Rohde & Schwarz, is a technology group specializing in test and measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity.