It proudly stands at 626 meters above sea level, watching over the skies like a silent guardian. But according to information shared by Actu Lyon, the "ball" radar of the 942nd air base in Lyon Mont-Verdun is living its final days. This local symbol, familiar to the residents of the Lyon metropolitan area, will be dismantled in the coming weeks, marking the end of an era.
© Base Aérienne 942
Installed in 1970, this “23-centimeter” radar was anything but a simple landscape accessory. Its gigantic metal parabola tirelessly rotated ten times a minute, scanning the skies to ensure air surveillance over the territory. But after more than half a century of faithful service, technology marches on, and the air force decided to retire it. Since June 2024, it has no longer been in active service, and its fate was already sealed. Base Aérienne 942 officially announced the news on February 25: the dismantling of the radar is imminent.
A landmark in the Lyon landscape being replaced
This dismantling is part of a broad program to modernize French air surveillance. « Its replacement is…It will allow for the deployment of even more advanced modern equipment », specifies the Mont-Verdun air base. In plain terms, the new systems will provide enhanced monitoring of the French sky, with more precise technologies tailored to current challenges. But what will happen to the site once the famous “ball” is gone? It won’t be left abandoned. A reception platform will be set up for a temporary detection system, ensuring continuous monitoring in case the radar near Mont Thou is unavailable.
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For the nostalgic, there's still a little time to admire one last time this iconic silhouette that has left its mark on several generations of Lyonnais. An unintentional monument, yet so deeply rooted in the scenery, is about to disappear, leaving behind a void in the landscape and a hint of nostalgia for those who have always known it.
Source : Actu Lyon
