Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRRadar, electronic warfare, and communications through a single antenna: In the SCEPTER project, 14 European partners are developing the concept for a multifunctional radio frequency (RF) system based on state-of-the-art AESA technology. Fraunhofer FHR contributes its expertise in radar resource management and cognitive sensor technologies.
Modern conflicts clearly demonstrate that effective defence and security architectures require the seamless integration of capabilities across domain boundaries — on land, in the air, and at sea. Today, situational awareness emerges from the fusion of sensor data from a wide variety of platforms, while traditional measures increasingly need to be complemented by electronic warfare and adaptive communication systems. Existing systems are reaching their limits: separate sensors for radar, communications, and electronic warfare compete for space, weight, power — and the limited electromagnetic spectrum.
System Improves Situational Awareness, Reduces Interference, and Increases Operational Effectiveness
This is where SCEPTER (European multifunction System ConcEPT applied to communications, Electronic warfare and Radar) comes in. The consortium's goal is to develop a European multifunctional RF system that combines radar, communications, and electronic warfare functions in a shared architecture with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA).
By consolidating multiple functions into a single system with a shared antenna aperture, the electromagnetic situational picture is to be improved, mutual electromagnetic interference reduced, and overall operational effectiveness increased.
Within the framework of SCEPTER, a preliminary design for a multifunctional RF sensor based on compact AESA technology is being developed. Advanced modeling and simulation methods, including digital twins, are being employed. The research activities include, among others:
- Low-observable AESA technologies and ultra-wideband antenna concepts
- Innovative radome solutions for different operational environments
- Cognitive techniques based on artificial intelligence and machine learning for adaptive waveform design, intelligent resource management, and improved target detection in complex scenarios
- Highly integrated RF front-end technologies, including compact transmit/receive modules as well as modular, scalable digital hardware architectures
The project culminates in the design and demonstration of key subsystem building blocks – from radiating elements to RF front-end modules and digital back-end solutions, through to advanced resource management.
Fraunhofer FHR Develops Novel Algorithms
Fraunhofer FHR assumes a key role in SCEPTER: it leads the development of novel radar resource management algorithms designed to fully exploit the performance potential of the multifunctional RF system. These algorithms will be verified using state-of-the-art simulation and implemented in the SCEPTER hardware demonstrator. In addition, Fraunhofer FHR contributes its expertise in cognitive radar techniques, advanced GMTI and iSAR processing, and antenna technologies.
The SCEPTER consortium is coordinated by Indra Group (Spain) and brings together 14 partners from nine EU member states – leading defense companies, research organizations, and specialized SMEs. SCEPTER builds in particular on the results of the PADR project CROWN and advances them further – expanding capabilities in the areas of passive radar sensing and cognitive sensor technologies.
Beyond the technological dimension, SCEPTER strengthens the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and supports Europe's strategic objectives in innovation, interoperability, and technological sovereignty.
SCEPTER is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF) under the call for advanced radar technologies.