Thales strengthens airspace surveillance with Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia with advanced ATC system

Thales is modernizing the current Picacho radar station, operated by Colombia’s civil aviation authority, Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia, in partnership with local company GyC to provide new capabilities for airspace surveillance. With its combined set of STAR NG and RSM NG radars, there will now be six Thales radars in operation in the country, allowing air traffic controllers to continuously track the position of aircraft, regardless of the conditions.

The 16-month project, which is already well underway, sees Thales manufacture, deliver and install the co-mounted radars STAR NG (approach Primary Surveillance Radar) and RSM NG (Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radar), while its local partner, GyC, renews the existing infrastructure. This technologically advanced radar station, supported by additional four stand-alone ADS-B ground stations, will strengthen continuous air surveillance in the approach area, in particular the North-Eastern part of Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Lionel de CASTELLANE, Vice President Air Traffic Radars, Thales commented: “Thales is proud to strengthen its 25-year partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia. This new contract will enhance the country’s airspace surveillance capabilities by combining the strengths of its primary and secondary radars. It highlights the versatility of Thales’ ATC radars in meeting the needs of both civilian and military operators, and demonstrates our long-term commitment to ensuring excellence in surveillance and air safety systems." 

To date, Thales has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) in coordination with Aeronáutica Civil. The required structural reinforcement studies for the tower have been approved, and progress is proceeding on schedule to ensure the radar becomes operational within the timeline. ​ The new system will bring many benefits, including: 

• Enhanced airspace surveillance and sovereignty: The STAR NG will deliver real-time information on both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft to strengthen Colombia’s ability to monitor and protect its national airspace.
• Greater reliability and resilience in aircraft identification: The RSM NG meta-sensor provides more accurate identification and tracking, ensuring continuity of information even in cases of jamming or spoofing attempts.
• Robust cybersecurity protection: Both radars are equipped with the latest cybersecurity updates, safeguarding critical surveillance data against evolving digital threats.

With over 50 years’ experience in Air Traffic Control and Surveillance, and more than 1,200 radars operating around the globe, Thales is the trusted leader in this domain worldwide. In Colombia, Thales radars already equip sites in Flandes, Cerro Verde, Santa Ana, Villavicencio and Carimagua, and soon in Picacho. Thales also supplied the APP control centre in San Andrés, and the ATC and Tower simulator in Bogota to support Air Traffic Controller training. The Group has also provided navigation aids in various key sites all over the country.