Rohde & Schwarz USA awarded $4.9B FAA contract to modernize voice communication systems

Next-generation voice communication systems to be manufactured in Maryland. 

Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in critical infrastructure solutions, announced today it has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to replace the analog communication infrastructure with the field proven CERTIUM Voice Communication System for airports and air traffic control facilities under a contract worth $4.9B. These systems will be produced at Rohde & Schwarz USA’s new manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland and expanded facility in Coppell, Texas.

Installing new digital voice switches is an important part of the FAA’s Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative, which modernizes the infrastructure while ensuring the safety and reliability of air traffic control (ATC) operations in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). Rohde & Schwarz USA is deploying its field proven CERTIUM Voice Communication System (VCS) compliant to the latest ED-137 standard across the United States. 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 NAS under this contract. Further deployments have successfully been completed at numerous locations across the U.S. including Beaumont (TX), Wilmington (DE), Lewiston (ID), and Bellingham (WA).

“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,” Frank Dunn, President & CEO, Rohde  & Schwarz USA, explains. “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.”

Rohde & Schwarz USA is a longstanding partner of U.S. government and critical infrastructure organizations, enabling areas such as TSA on-person screening, U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue, as well as resilient communications for the U.S. Navy. The company operates multiple facilities in the U.S. and combines American engineering excellence with world-class technology, backed by its global organization.

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.