This article is based on an official press release from Thales Group.

Thales and Novatis Selected to Upgrade Johor Bahru Air Traffic Control Radar

The Civil Airlines Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has selected Thales Group to upgrade the air traffic surveillance infrastructure at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru. According to an official announcement released on December 10, 2025, the project will be executed in partnership with Novatis Resources Sdn Bhd, a local Malaysian entity serving as the Key Industrial Partner.

The modernization initiative involves the replacement of existing radar systems with the Thales RSM NG (Next Generation) Secondary Surveillance Radar-Systems. This upgrade is designed to enhance the Safety, efficiency, and security of air traffic management in the busy airspace of Southern Peninsular Malaysia. By integrating advanced digital tracking capabilities, the new system aims to support Malaysia’s broader goal of strengthening its sovereign airspace monitoring capabilities.

Technical Overview: The RSM NG System

The core of this infrastructure upgrade is the RSM NG, a system Thales describes as a “meta-sensor.” Unlike traditional radars that rely on a single method of detection, the RSM NG combines two distinct surveillance technologies into a single unit: Mode S secondary radar interrogation and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

According to technical specifications released by Thales, this hybrid approach allows for faster track initialization and higher data integrity. The system is capable of tracking up to 2,000 aircraft simultaneously, a critical feature for high-density airspaces. Furthermore, the precision of the RSM NG supports 3NM (nautical mile) separation standards. This capability allows air traffic controllers to safely reduce the distance between aircraft, effectively increasing the capacity of the airspace without compromising safety.

Cybersecurity and Resilience

In an era of increasing digital threats to critical infrastructure, the new radar system incorporates a “Cyber Secured by Design” architecture. Thales states that the system aligns with the framework established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring robust protection against cyberattacks.

Additionally, the system is engineered to handle radio frequency (RF) pollution, a common issue in crowded electronic environments. It features advanced interference mitigation maps and ensures continuity of tracking even if one sensor component, such as the ADS-B, faces jamming or spoofing.

Strategic Implications for Malaysian Aviation

This project represents a significant step in the CAAM’s “Digitalisation Strategic Plan,” which aims to modernize the nation’s aviation infrastructure. The data collected by the new radar at Senai International Airport will be fed directly into the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre (KLATCC), which already utilizes the Thales TopSky – ATC system.

By standardizing the surveillance technology across the national grid, CAAM ensures seamless integration and data continuity between regional sectors and the central control hub in Kuala Lumpur. The involvement of Novatis Resources Sdn Bhd also highlights a commitment to local content and technology transfer, ensuring that Malaysian firms play an active role in maintaining critical national assets.

“The RSM NG radar will strengthen Malaysia’s ability to monitor and secure its national airspace,” the press release noted regarding the strategic value of the acquisition.

AirPro News Analysis

While the official announcement focuses on technical upgrades and safety, the location of this installation carries geopolitical weight. Senai International Airport sits within the Johor Bahru Flight Information Region (FIR), an area where airspace management has historically been a subject of diplomatic discussion between Malaysia and Singapore.

Since 1974, management of certain airspace over Southern Johor has been delegated to Singapore to facilitate operations at Changi Airport. However, Malaysia has expressed long-term ambitions to reclaim management of this delegated airspace, citing national sovereignty. By installing high-precision, long-range surveillance equipment like the RSM NG, CAAM is effectively building the technical competency required to manage this complex sector independently.

This move signals that Malaysia is investing in the hardware necessary to back its sovereignty claims with operational capability. While current agreements emphasize safety and cooperation, the deployment of sovereign assets capable of 3NM separation standards demonstrates Malaysia’s readiness to handle high-density traffic in the region autonomously in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RSM NG?
The RSM NG (Next Generation) is a secondary surveillance radar developed by Thales. It acts as a “meta-sensor” by combining traditional Mode S radar interrogation with ADS-B (satellite-based reporting) to provide highly accurate aircraft tracking.

Who are the contractors involved?
Thales Group (France) is the prime contractor providing the technology, while Novatis Resources Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) is the local partner responsible for logistics, installation support, and maintenance.

Why is this upgrade necessary?
The upgrade replaces aging infrastructure to handle growing air traffic volumes. It improves tracking precision, allows for tighter aircraft separation (3NM), and enhances cybersecurity resilience.

Sources

• Thales Group Press Release