New Surface Movement Radar Enhances Safety at Newark Liberty International
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford unveiled a brand-new Surface Movement Radar at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on August 11, 2026. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); This upgrade replaces the airport’s 30-year-old system. It marks another step by the Trump Administration to modernize one of America’s busiest airports and improve safety. The new Surface Movement Radar Model 4 (SMR-4) helps air traffic controllers track aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways. It works in all weather and visibility conditions. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); EWR’s unit is the fifth of its kind installed nationwide so far. The radar aims to prevent runway incursions and give controllers better situational awareness. Delivering Safety Improvements “Since the start of this administration, we have been working towards building a modern system that will serve America’s skies for generations,” said Secretary Duffy . ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); “From replacing Newark’s ancient copper wire to investing $30 million into new infrastructure and bringing new radar online, we are delivering real safety and efficiency enhancements at one of our nation’s busiest airports.” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford added, “Newark sees well-over a thousand flights per day, and the new Surface Movement Radar will help controllers keep those flights safe at this major U.S. hub. This is just the latest step in the FAA’s work to modernize our skies for the Golden Age of Travel.” ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Photo Credit: United Airlines $30 Million in Upgrades Coming Over the next three years, EWR will receive $30 million from President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts for critical improvements. Officials have already replaced 90% of the airport’s copper wiring with high-speed fiber. This change boosts communication reliability. The airport is also switching from paper flight strips to electronic ones. By the end of summer 2027, EWR will install several more tools. These include new electronic information displays for better controller awareness. New voice switches will improve communication with pilots and other facilities. A new long-range radar will give controllers a more reliable way to track aircraft positions. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Progress After Past Delays In summer 2025, Newark ranked among the worst airports in America for delays. Upgrades have subsequently arrived. Teams deployed a software patch to fix glitches and prevent outages. They expedited new fiber installation to replace aging copper. Runway construction finished ahead of schedule. Officials also rebalanced flight volumes to match available controller staffing. These steps have paid off. Newark now ranks as a leading Northeast airport for on-time flights. Nationwide Modernization Efforts The work at EWR fits into a broader push. The FAA is now upgrading the national air traffic control system at a rapid pace. In the past year, the agency has replaced 60% of all copper wires. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); It converted 363 radio sites across the country. Teams installed 96 new Surface Awareness Initiative systems. Nineteen towers switched to electronic flight strips. Controllers now use 151 IP voice switches at control towers. These changes support safer and more efficient air travel. Newark’s new radar shows how targeted investments can deliver results at a high-volume hub. Passengers can expect continued improvements as the administration advances its modernization goals. The focus remains on practical upgrades that enhance safety and reduce delays for the traveling public. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); });