Overview
- DOT and the FAA named Reston, Va.–based Peraton the prime integrator to coordinate nationwide replacement of aging ATC hardware, software, networks and facilities.
- Congress provided an initial $12.5 billion down payment, and agency leaders say roughly another $19–20 billion will be needed to complete the program.
- Early tasks include transitioning remaining copper infrastructure to fiber and standing up a new digital command center, alongside buying and installing new radars, radios and surveillance systems.
- The first-of-its-kind integrator agreement includes incentives and penalties, formal oversight by senior DOT and FAA officials, and assigns Peraton responsibility for schedule, deployment and quality benchmarks.
- Industry groups including Airlines for America, AOPA and the Modern Skies Coalition endorsed the selection as equipment-related delay minutes have surged, with the FAA targeting fielding of the new system by the end of 2028 and reporting initial progress such as fiber conversions, added radios and tower tools.