Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

As a partner to government agencies, armed forces, and industry, we develop high‑performance radar and sensor systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and protection across air, land, and maritime domains. Our technologies provide reliable situational awareness with mission‑tailored range and resolution — even in the presence of interference, adverse weather conditions, or complex urban and maritime environments. Adaptive radar techniques with situationally optimized waveforms, modern antenna concepts, and intelligent data analytics enhance the reliable detection, tracking, and classification of objects.

Our systems can be deployed flexibly — from ground‑ and sea‑based platforms to manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. Another key focus is on technologies for the early detection of small unmanned aircraft and the protection of critical infrastructure. Open interfaces and modular architectures enable integration into existing command‑and‑control and information systems. Together with our partners, we implement projects ranging from conceptual studies and prototypes to testing and mission‑ready demonstrators.

With advanced radar and sensor systems — our Tracking and Imaging Radar TIRA is only one of them, though certainly the most visible — Fraunhofer FHR makes a central contribution to the research and safe use of space. Our technologies for space situational awareness enable the precise observation of satellites and other space objects, as well as the early detection of potential hazards such as space debris. These capabilities strengthen reliable space surveillance, enhance space reconnaissance, and support robust space situational awareness across all operational contexts.

We offer innovative high‑frequency techniques, high‑performance antenna systems, and advanced signal processing as the foundation for high‑resolution measurements and reliable data analysis. In close cooperation with national and international partners, we develop solutions for sustainable space infrastructures, reliable mission planning, and the protection of orbital systems. This results in scientifically grounded technologies that enhance safety in Earth orbit and open new perspectives for research, navigation, and satellite‑based services. These capabilities strengthen modern space surveillance, support robust space situational awareness, and contribute to resilient space operations across civilian and security‑relevant domains.

Through the development of radar‑ and high‑frequency‑based sensor technology, we enable precise, contactless, and reliable measurements that operate dependably even in harsh industrial environments. Combining high‑performance hardware, modern signal processing, and AI‑supported data evaluation, we create practical systems and analysis methods that extract robust information from complex data — enabling more efficient, transparent, and secure processes as well as new data‑driven business models.

Working together with companies and partners, we implement tailored solutions for Industry 4.0, mobility, and security: production monitoring and quality assurance, material inspection and condition assessment, connected traffic and logistics systems, applications for security and disaster response, as well as environmental and health monitoring. Our offering ranges from feasibility studies to prototyping and piloting, all the way to integration into IT/OT landscapes — including validation, scalable software, and reliable metadata.