Fraunhofer FHR-Newsletter 09/2025

How can we reliably and cost-effectively protect critical infrastructures, industrial facilities, and government areas from unmanned drone attacks? IDAS-PRO, the Innovative Drone Defense System PRO, now offers a concrete answer with its "Fence Radar" for perimeter monitoring. This drone detection system has been specifically designed for complex urban scenarios, providing a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution. As demonstrated by field tests in late June 2025, the highly scalable detection system operates reliably and without interference, even in challenging urban environments.

The Fraunhofer-Institute for High-Frequency Physics and Radar Technology FHR has achieved a significant technological leap in two and a half years of development time, in collaboration with renowned partners. Christian Krebs, Head of Simulation & System Design, and Stefan Wickmann, Head of H/W Implementations, report on the flagship project IDAS-PRO, which has been funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space. This project builds on the further development of four precursor projects for drone detection. IDAS-PRO showcases the results of continuous research efforts and close collaboration with potential users, who selected the most effective modules from previous systems for integration into a new, automated, and calibratable overall system. The result is IDAS-PRO, with its flexibly configurable, modular drone defense system that combines all critical components into a user-friendly solution.

The centerpiece of the system is the so-called Fence Radar – a virtual "electronic fence" that was successfully tested in a realistic field trial in June 2025, as reported by Krebs and Wickmann, both from the Industrial High-Frequency Systems (IHS) division of Fraunhofer FHR. The system already reliably detects drones at altitudes of up to 30 meters and with a field of view of up to 180°, even in densely built-up urban canyons, expansive industrial areas, or around security-critical facilities with precise oversight. In the next development phase, detection is expected to extend up to 50 meters, with potential calculations already indicating capabilities up to 100 meters.

Intelligent System Architecture – Understandable for All Users 

In addition to radar technology, IDAS-PRO also utilizes radio, optical, and acoustic sensors, as well as jammers and intercept drones. Everything is controlled via a central situational overview, allowing intuitive operation, even for users without in-depth radar expertise. The system architecture permits any scaling and easy integration into existing security infrastructures. Another advantage is the low maintenance requirement of the system, which, thanks to passive cooling, exhibits great temperature insensitivity.

The Fence Radar was designed and implemented by the Fraunhofer FHR. Together with the industry partner and consortium leader ELT Elettronica GmbH and other partners – HP Wüst, Optoprecision, the University of Würzburg, Fraunhofer FKIE, and the Federal Criminal Police Office – the project was developed not only technically but also economically for market readiness. Unlike previous projects, technology transfer and marketing were integral parts of the project strategy from the outset. Therefore, Krebs and Wickmann state: "A central goal was to achieve a high Technology Readiness Level – which we have accomplished. This paves the way for industrialization starting in 2026."

Flexible Security for Diverse Applications 

Thanks to its open, modular concept, tailored solutions can be realized for a wide range of scenarios – from government and emergency services to critical infrastructures and private large-scale events. Rental solutions are also conceivable to provide temporary protection efficiently and cost-effectively. Thus, IDAS-PRO offers an attractive alternative to existing, often costly systems.