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Rohde & Schwarz has been awarded a US$4.9 billion contract to overhaul the communication infrastructure for the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The firm has been selected to replace older analogue equipment at airports and air traffic control facilities in the US with its digital CERTIUM Voice Communication System (VCS) as part of the FAA’s Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative.
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“Rohde & Schwarz USA is proud to work with the FAA on this important project to modernize the air traffic control communication systems in the U.S. airspace,” said Frank Dunn, president & CEO of Rohde & Schwarz USA.
“It’s important we use this opportunity to reestablish U.S. expertise in ATC voice communication systems. With this program we are creating over 200 additional highly skilled jobs, elevating Rohde & Schwarz USA’s total workforce to over 1,000 members.
“In addition, we are expanding and investing in new facilities to add manufacturing capacity in America.”
According to Rohde & Schwarz, the equipment will be produced at its new manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland, and at its expanded facility in Coppell, Texas.
“The first system was deployed and went live in September 2025 at Allegheny County Airport (AGC) near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking the first modern voice-over-IP VCS in the US National Airspace System under this contract,” the company said.
“Further deployments have successfully been completed at numerous locations across the U.S. including Beaumont (TX), Wilmington (DE), Lewiston (ID), and Bellingham (WA).
“The new manufacturing facility in Frederick, MD recently opened in early 2026 and reflects an overall investment of $40 million by Rohde & Schwarz USA to design, develop, and manufacture the CERTIUM VCS in the United States to provide long-term domestic production and support.
“In addition, expansion of existing manufacturing and system integration space in Coppell, TX provides increased capacity and flexibility to support this important BNATCS initiative.”
Rohde & Schwarz works extensively with the US government and critical infrastructure organisations, including the Coast Guard, Navy, and Transportation Safety Administration.
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