Tern Systems’ Polaris ATM System as Operational Backup at HungaroControl

Tern Systems, a leading provider of Air Traffic Management software, announces that its Polaris ATM system has  entered operational service as the backup system for HungaroControl.

Following the successful completion of the Site Acceptance Test in late 2025 the system has undergone rigorous site integration. This deployment marks a critical milestone in the multi-year partnership between the Icelandic software developer and the Hungarian Air Navigation Service Provider.

The Polaris system is designed to handle high-density traffic environments, providing a modern, secure, and highly configurable interface for air traffic controllers. The Hungarian configuration includes 6 separate instances of the system with over 160 workstations, and additionally a training system capable of running 7 simultaneous training sessions. All backend servers are hosted in VMWare clusters and are dual redundant. By deploying Polaris as a backup, HungaroControl ensures a seamless layer of redundancy, maintaining safety and continuity in one of Europe’s most complex airspaces, including the Hungarian upper airspace and the NATO-assigned KFOR sector over Kosovo.

"The transition of Polaris to live backup status is a significant achievement for our engineering teams. Since 2020, we have worked closely with Tern Systems to ensure this platform aligns with the specific safety and performance requirements of our operations," says Gábor Szabó, ATM System Development Engineer Expert at HungaroControl "This go-live provides us with a resilient, future-ready solution that enhances our ability to manage high-pressure tactical environments with confidence."

HungaroControl joined Tern Systems as a key development partner in 2020, contributing operational expertise alongside Avians. This collaborative approach has allowed the Polaris system to evolve beyond a standard off-the-shelf product into a highly adaptable solution tailored to the needs of modern ANSPs.

"Moving into live operations at HungaroControl is the ultimate validation of the Polaris platform," says Magnus Thordarson, CEO of Tern Systems. "Our goal has always been to deliver a system that balances advanced functionality with ease of use. Seeing Polaris go live in Budapest is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to aviation safety and innovation."

Tern Systems designs and builds ATM software solutions with nearly three decades of experience. With headquarters in Iceland and regional offices in Hungary and Poland, Tern Systems provides mission-critical solutions to customers across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.

HungaroControl is the Air Navigation Service Provider of Hungary, providing air navigation services in Hungarian airspace and the upper airspace over Kosovo. The company is a global leader in ATM innovation, focusing on flight safety, capacity increases, and environmental efficiency.