Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is making a major investment in its future operations with the purchase of a next-generation radar system from Raytheon UK.
The multi-million-pound system is scheduled to be delivered and installed in 2027 and will provide the airport with advanced air traffic management capabilities as it prepares to resume operations.
The investment is the largest capital expenditure made by DSA during its pre-start phase and represents a significant milestone in the airport’s redevelopment.
The new radar is designed to strengthen operational safety, improve reliability and reduce DSA’s dependence on radar systems operated by third parties.
It will also use high-resolution technology to help mitigate potential interference from wind farms, an increasingly important consideration for modern airport infrastructure.
Raytheon UK, part of RTX, supplies air traffic management systems to customers in 45 countries and has extensive experience across both civilian and military applications.
Technology at the centre of the reopening
DSA said the decision to invest in the system comes at a time when global demand for specialist radar equipment has increased, partly as a result of heightened international military tensions.
The airport’s new system will represent a significant technological upgrade compared with the equipment in use before the airport closed in 2022.
Simon Hinchley, Executive Director of Airport Operations at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said safety would remain central to the airport’s future operations.
He described the radar order as potentially the most important step in the airport’s reopening to date and said the procurement process involved a detailed assessment of the market and the airport’s future operational requirements.
Hinchley said RTX was selected because of its established reputation and experience in both civilian and military applications.
Kevin Hobson, Director and General Manager of Raytheon UK – Services, said the investment would help establish safe, efficient and reliable airport operations.
He also highlighted the significant manufacturing and installation lead times associated with specialist radar equipment, making the project an important component of DSA’s reopening preparations.
Freight flights targeted for 2027
The radar investment forms part of a broader programme to prepare Doncaster Sheffield Airport for its return to service.
The airport is currently undertaking an Airspace Change Process, with public consultation scheduled to begin this summer.
Under its current plans, freight flights are targeted to resume in 2027, followed by scheduled passenger services in 2028.
DSA currently employs more than 80 people on site as teams prepare the infrastructure and operational capabilities required to welcome both freight operators and passengers.
Earlier this year, the airport announced several new appointments to its Air Traffic Services team and confirmed further investment in air traffic control facilities and training equipment.
The new radar system adds another major piece to that programme, giving DSA upgraded infrastructure as it works toward reopening and positioning itself at the forefront of modern aviation technology.
