Thales has been selected by Mongolia’s National Civil Aviation Center (NCAC) to deliver a major upgrade of the country’s air navigation infrastructure, marking a significant step in strengthening aviation safety, capacity, and resilience.

• 🤑 Financing is backed by a flexible arrangement between BpiFrance and the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia (TDBM).

Next-Generation Dual Control Centers

The project includes the deployment of a next-generation dual Area Control Center (ACC) architecture. This involves modernising the existing ACC in Ulaanbaatar and building a new one in Sainshand to provide system redundancy and enhanced operational performance. The upgrade will also significantly bolster cybersecurity, a critical need for aviation infrastructure worldwide.

🙄 Why Sainshand? Sainshand was strategically chosen for the new Area Control Center to create system redundancy and boost resilience for Mongolia’s air traffic network. Located in Dornogovi province along the Trans-Mongolian Railway, it is a key transit and industrial hub in the Gobi region.

🧩 The project also supports France-Mongolia cooperation, including Orano’s major uranium mine at Zuuvch-Ovoo, which will drive future logistics and economic growth in the area.

France-Mongolia Cooperation in Action

The initiative reflects deepening France-Mongolia cooperation, timed with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It combines advanced French technology with structured skills transfer through the École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC). Mongolian professionals will receive training in Toulouse, while ENAC instructors will support capacity building in Ulaanbaatar.

Impact on Mongolia’s Aviation Future

The modernisation is expected to improve airspace capacity, reduce delays, and support the growth of both domestic and international flights, key for tourism, business connectivity, and Mongolia’s long-term economic ambitions.

Finally… For a country with vast territory and growing air traffic, reliable and future-proof air navigation systems are essential. This partnership positions Mongolia to meet rising demand while maintaining high safety and security standards.