Dominican Republic boosts aviation and public safety with new weather radar in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, DR.- The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art, dual-polarization C-band Doppler meteorological radar on the iconic Loma Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata. This cutting-edge equipment marks a significant step in the Dominican government’s drive to modernize the national meteorological system and enhance operational safety across the Dominican airspace.

The inauguration ceremony was led by the Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, and IDAC’s Director General, Igor Rodríguez Durán. Both officials emphasized the strategic importance of this new technology as part of the country’s broader digital transformation in risk management and air navigation systems.

“President Luis Abinader has tasked us with moving firmly forward in modernizing the country, and this radar shows that commitment translates into action,” stated Minister Paliza. “With this new technology, we strengthen the State’s capacity to protect lives and optimize air operations with precise, real-time data.”

Igor Rodríguez explained that the new WRS300 radar boasts an effective coverage of 250 km and a total range of up to 400 km. This capability will allow the country to monitor atmospheric phenomena like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall with greater precision. “This technological tool will bolster our responsibilities to ICAO and ensure safer and more efficient air operations,” he noted.

Rodríguez further revealed that the new radar will integrate into a national network. This network already includes a radar at Punta Cana International Airport, with another set for inauguration soon at Las Américas International Airport (AILA). Two additional radars are planned for Cibao and Cabo Rojo airports. This comprehensive system will ensure full coverage of the national airspace, coordinated by IDAC and INDOMET.

Gloria Ceballos, Director of INDOMET, lauded the new technology as a vital tool for issuing timely early warnings to the public and for guiding public policy planning in the face of natural phenomena.

The event saw attendance from several key officials, including COE Director Juan Manuel Méndez, Governor Claritza Rochtte, Senator Ginette Bournigal, Mayor Roquelito García, Deputy Fiordaliza Estévez, Civil Aviation Board (JAC) Secretary Bernarda Franco, Major General Pilot Floreal Suárez Martínez, General Commander of the Dominican Republic Air Force, alongside other national aviation sector authorities.