# FAA air traffic control radar modernization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/faa-air-traffic-control-radar-modernization > Updated: 2026-08-14T23:48:13.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing the SMR-4 Surface Movement Radar system across major United States airports as part of a $12.5 billion national air traffic control modernization plan. The technology is designed to provide air traffic controllers with high-precision visibility of aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways, which is particularly useful during nighttime operations or low-visibility weather conditions to prevent runway incursions. At Newark Liberty International Airport, the system replaced a 30-year-old radar that had become difficult to maintain. Following this, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport became the fifth airport to adopt the technology. The installation at Reagan National follows a fatal midair collision in January 2025 involving a PSA Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the system provides controllers with a “clearer portrait” of airport activity, supported by a $30.5 million commitment toward safety and technology improvements at Reagan National. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Reagan National Airport installs new radar following fatal midair collision Reagan National Airport has installed SMR-4 radar technology to improve visibility for air traffic controllers following a 2025 midair collision that killed 67 people. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reagan-national-airport-installs-new-radar-following-fatal-midair-collision ### 2026-08-11: FAA deploys new radar system at Newark Liberty International Airport The FAA has installed a new Surface Movement Radar at Newark Liberty International Airport to improve runway safety and visibility during poor weather, part of a larger national modernization initiative. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/faa-deploys-new-radar-system-at-newark-liberty-international-airport --- Cite as: FAA air traffic control radar modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/faa-air-traffic-control-radar-modernization