May 26, 2026 // Ottawa, ON — SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, has acquired the ASR-NG air traffic control (ATC) radar from HENSOLDT to support safe and efficient operations at 15 Wing Moose Jaw under the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
The new ATC radar selected for 15 Wing Moose Jaw is the ASR-NG (Area Surveillance Radar – Next Generation) from the system sensor house HENSOLDT in Germany. This radar is the latest version of the ATC radars used at six RCAF locations and will enhance air safety of FAcT operations. The FAcT program will deliver ab-initio training to RCAF Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators, including the use of simulators and aircraft. The FAcT program includes provisions for a wide range of activities to support RCAF aircrew training, including replacement of the legacy radar system at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
The primary radar of the ASR-NG features a special signal processing technology for wide-area air surveillance and for suppressing false signals, including those from wind turbines. Where, for example, previous generation radars have been dazzled and confused by the radar returns from wind farms, the processing within the ASR-NG provides safe air tracking despite the obstacles. Additionally, ASR-NG delivers excellent detection performance covering different aircraft sizes and travelling at different speeds in close proximity to one another. Together, these improvements reduce the risk of incidents and increase flight safety for all aircraft under control.
“This investment reflects SkyAlyne’s commitment to delivering a modern, integrated training system that prioritizes safety and innovation,” said Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne. “By leveraging proven, advanced technologies, we are ensuring that Canada’s next generation of aircrew train in a secure and future-ready environment, including interoperability with other RCAF platforms.”
The 3D-capable radar enables the safe guidance of all aircraft within a radius of more than 200 kilometres and up to altitudes of 50,000 feet. The MSSR 2000 I secondary radar integrated in the ASR-NG ensures automatic identification of aircraft via their transponder equipment. It meets the ‘Mode S’ air traffic control standard, which further improves aircraft identification queries.
“Our ASR-NG offers the highest possible level of safety for FAcT aircrews by combining primary and secondary radar,” says Peter Schlote, Head of Radar & EW Division at HENSOLDT. “We are delighted that our radar system supports Canada’s operational needs.”
The radar will be delivered by a joint Canadian and German team, under the leadership of SkyAlyne, drawing on the strengths of both international expertise and domestic capability to ensure seamless integration into the FAcT program.
The new ASR-NG system is expected to be installed and operational by the end of 2027.
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SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Pilots and Aircrew as the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In spring 2024, SkyAlyne was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.
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H.Ruess@SkyAlyne.ca
