The US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing has become the first unit in Europe to receive new radar systems for air traffic control.

The digital airport surveillance radar (DASR) and standard terminal automation replacement system (STARS) will replace aging technology at Department of Defense airfields.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The new DASR system will be used to replace the generalised proportional navigation system, used to track aircraft and weather conditions in the vicinity of civilian and military airfields.

The DASR will improve reliability, provide additional weather data, reduce maintenance costs and improve performance.

To derive maximum benefit from the DASR system, the STARS consoles were concurrently installed in place of the older automated radar terminal systems at the radar approach control facility.

The STARS system will accommodate air traffic growth and the introduction of new automation functions to improve the safety and efficiency of the US National Airspace System.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

48th Operations Squadron assistant chief controller Master Sgt Klane Pierce said the new digital system will provide a clearer picture of all aircraft that the unit is controlling at the Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact