As European air traffic continues its steady climb, the pressure on Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to maintain flawless safety standards has never been higher. Today, we look at a critical infrastructure milestone as Slovenia Control partners with industry leader Thales to deploy cutting-edge surveillance technology that promises to set a new benchmark for regional aviation security.
A Strategic Partnership for European Aviation
In a move to modernize its national aviation infrastructure, Slovenia Control has officially tapped Thales to supply and install a state-of-the-art, co-mounted primary and secondary radar system. This project involves the integration of the STAR NG primary surveillance radar and the RSM NG secondary radar, designed to ensure continuous, redundant monitoring of all movements within Slovenian airspace.
For an industry professional, this announcement is more than just a procurement update; it represents a commitment to the latest digital innovations in air traffic management. By leveraging over 50 years of expertise, this collaboration ensures that Slovenia remains at the forefront of global aviation industry standards.
Advanced Technical Specifications: STAR NG and RSM NG
The backbone of this deployment consists of two highly capable, complementary systems. The STAR NG is a scalable S-Band Primary Surveillance Radar, specifically optimized for approach control with coverage extending up to 80 nautical miles. It is engineered to detect even the most challenging targets in complex environments.
Complementing this, the RSM NG acts as a multi-functional sensor. It delivers simultaneous Mode S interrogations and ADS-B extended squitter functionality.
Technical Capability Matrix
| Feature | STAR NG (Primary) | RSM NG (Secondary) |
| Primary Function | Target Detection | Identification & Data |
| Coverage Range | Up to 80 Nautical Miles | Long-range surveillance |
| Key Advantage | High-precision resolution | ADS-B & Mode S capability |
| Deployment | Approach Control | En-route & Approach |
Resilience and Cybersecurity by Design
In an era where digital threats are as real as physical ones, the cybersecure-by-design architecture of these systems is paramount. These radars are built to adhere to the most rigorous EUROCONTROL and ICAO recommendations. By integrating these systems, Slovenia Control is not only enhancing its radar base but is ensuring full compliance with European Mode S Station (EMS) standards.
This level of technological foresight is consistent with the innovative approaches we observed during the Singapore Airshow 2026. Just as Thales pushes boundaries in advanced drone platform development, their radar solutions bring that same level of precision to established commercial aviation corridors.
Operational Impact and Timeline
The project includes the delivery of a 30-metre tower and a protective radome, ensuring that the system remains functional even in the harshest Alpine weather conditions. With a targeted completion date of mid-2027, this infrastructure upgrade will provide:
- 24/7 continuous air surveillance for civil and military traffic.
- Increased redundancy to eliminate potential blind spots.
- Enhanced detection performance for both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft.
For further insights into the global footprint of this technology, you can explore the official technical resources provided by the Thales Group.
“We are honoured that Slovenia Control has once again placed its trust in Thales with the order of this new co-mounted air traffic control radar. This contract reflects not only our commitment to delivering advanced radar surveillance solutions, but also the strength of our long-standing partnership in ensuring safe and efficient air operations across Europe.”
Lionel de Castellane, Vice President of Thales’ Air Traffic Control radars segment.
“We are pleased to take this important step forward together with our partner Thales, with whom we share a common goal: safe, efficient and modern air traffic management. This cooperation further strengthens our commitment to continuously enhancing the safety and performance of air navigation services in Slovenia and beyond.” Rok Marolt, CEO of Slovenia Control, Ltd.
Essential Insights on Slovenian Airspace Modernization
The system is designed to enhance air traffic surveillance, providing continuous, redundant, and cybersecure coverage of Slovenian airspace for both civil and military aircraft.
These systems are significant because they combine scalable primary detection (STAR NG) with multi-functional secondary surveillance (RSM NG), ensuring high reliability and compliance with international aviation standards.
By providing 24/7 coverage, redundancy, and enhanced detection capabilities, the system reduces risks, improves operational efficiency, and ensures full compliance with modern European aviation regulations.
Conclusion: Securing the Future of Slovenian Skies
The partnership between Slovenia Control and Thales marks a significant step forward in the modernization of Europe’s aviation backbone. By investing in the STAR NG and RSM NG systems, Slovenia is proactively addressing the challenges of rising air traffic density while maintaining the highest possible safety margins.
What are your thoughts on the rapid integration of digital surveillance sensors in European airspace? Do you believe these technological leaps are sufficient to handle the projected growth in air travel by 2030? Let us know in the comments below!
