In the context of the maritime domain becoming increasingly contested, the state of the art of naval capabilities and interoperability are key to protect the EU interests. Evolving operational scenarios demand increased sensor capabilities. The radar sensor technology is also concerned with this capability upward trend, under challenging multi-domain threat conditions (land, sea, air, space and cyber).

Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made in fundamental technologies that influence both hardware and software aspects of radar systems. These advancements include among others the evolution of Radiofrequency (RF) electronics, digital technology, photonics, and smart antennas in the hardware domain, as well as the integration of machine learning, multiplatform virtualisation, and cloud/edge computing in the software domain. The integration of these cutting-edge technologies has led to an enhanced capability that enables a shift from a multiple-radar sensor approach to a multifunction radar netted approach, thereby optimising sensor strategy and overall system performance.

At the same time, the use of the electromagnetic spectrum has quickly increased in civil applications as well as military operations, originating a congested electromagnetic scenario, with a fast evolution of electronic warfare (EW) equipment with effective jamming techniques. This scenario demands radar sensors with more robust capabilities to accomplish their missions. The next generation of radar systems could benefit from extending their bandwidth for increased resolution to address strong clutter, low Radar Cross Section (RCS), stealth targets, and robustness against electronic counter measures (ECM).

The objective of this call topic is to demonstrate the enhanced capability of the integration of these technologies in a multiband 4D radar demonstrator to be developed as the basis of EU integrated systems for future naval platforms and further application to ground/air surveillance systems. It should allow EU to remain at the forefront of technology and maximise interoperability by design to operate with technological superiority and to increase the EU strategic autonomy.

A 4D radar is an advanced radar system used in defence applications combining 3D radar capabilities measuring range, azimuth, and elevation of the target, with time or velocity as an additional dimension. This allows a more accurate track of the targets, providing information on their position, speed, and direction in real-time, and improving situational awareness, target identification, and engagement capabilities for defence systems (e.g., missile defence or air defence).

The development of a multiband demonstrator including a multifunction capability with radar and communications should improve situational awareness and enhance interoperability.

Regarding radar, the system should be able to be integrated in a cooperative capability network with other platform sensors providing multi-static operation with cooperative remote assets. It should present simultaneous operation in multiple frequency bands, aiming at ensuring the coverage of at least one decade and providing hybrid active-passive radar operation.

Regarding communications, it should provide the capabilities for management of bidirectional weapon datalinks.

The final system should consider the inclusion of innovative collaborative capabilities to augment the efficiency of EU Member States’ and EDF Associated Countries’ forces.

Proposals must address the demonstration of essential elements for future EU naval radar systems with future application to ground systems for air surveillance, covering four main areas:

• Intelligent electromagnetic spectrum management. Using multiple radar bands adapted to the operation and functionality required in a condensed jammed electromagnetic spectrum of operation.
• Communication links for multiple bidirectional links to weapons, effectors and possibly remote assets (e.g., unmanned air systems).
  Full integration of the future final system in a combat management system, with enhanced collaboration with multiple platforms.
  Autonomous system based on optimised cognitive capabilities designed for limited human interaction dependencies to facilitate efficient and safe operations in multiple complex scenarios.
• They must include detection of challenging targets, multiband operation, interoperability, interchangeability, scalability, integration in maritime platforms, modelling, simulation, and functional tests among other characteristics indicated below.