The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have selected Peraton as the Prime Integrator to lead a major upgrade of the nation’s air traffic control system. This initiative, described as one of the most significant aviation infrastructure projects in decades, is supported by an initial $12.5 billion allocation from President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said, “We are thrilled to be working with Peraton because they share President Trump's drive to modernize our skies safely at record speed. Working together, we are going to build on the incredible progress we’ve already made and deliver a state-of-the-art air traffic control system that the American traveling public — and our hard-working air traffic controllers — deserve.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the scale of investment required for full modernization: “We are taking bold action to ensure our air traffic system is the envy of the world. The One Big Beautiful Bill gave us a strong $12.5 billion down payment to start this modernization effort. But to finish the job—and deliver the safer, more efficient system travelers deserve—we’re going to need another $20 billion. This is a long-term investment in the future of air travel, and we’re committed to getting it right.”
Peraton will use its experience integrating complex technology platforms and collaborating with federal agencies to execute this large-scale project on an ambitious timeline. The contract structure includes incentives for good performance and penalties for delays or substandard work.
According to officials, previous administrations estimated that such modernization would take over ten years; however, current plans aim for completion within three years. Once finished, officials expect improvements in efficiency, reduced outages, enhanced safety measures, and support for growing demands on national airspace.
Since President Trump took office, USDOT and FAA have upgraded key components including converting one-third of copper infrastructure to fiber, satellite, or wireless systems; deploying 148 radios nationwide; installing next-generation voice switches at Allegheny Tower; implementing surface awareness systems at 44 towers; and rolling out electronic flight strips at 13 locations.
To meet their goal by 2028’s end, USDOT and FAA used an innovative procurement process designed specifically for rapid selection of an integrator—a first-of-its-kind approach in federal contracting.
Officials note that while current systems remain safe overall, aging equipment leads to more frequent failures which can slow flights as a precautionary measure. The new system aims not only for reliability but also intends to reduce equipment-related delays across U.S. airspace.
Peraton’s immediate priorities include completing upgrades from copper wiring to fiber optics and establishing a digital command center in partnership with FAA staffers—part of broader efforts outlined in recent legislation supporting further radar purchases and development of advanced facilities.
