An active electronically scanned array (AESA) is a sophisticated antenna system known as a phased array. It utilises computer control to adjust the direction of its radio wave beam without physically repositioning the antenna and is commonly used in aerial platforms. Launched in July 2021, with funding from the European Commission under the Preparatory Action for Defence Research (PADR), the project European active electronically scanned array with Combined Radar, Electronic Warfare and Communications functions for military applications (CROWN) focuses on the innovative concept of a multifunctional radio frequency (RF) system, which aims at substantially enhancing future defence capabilities, with specific focus on AESA for manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
On 26-27 February, the eleven consortium members concluded 32-months of work on the CROWN project during the final meeting hosted by Indra. The final meeting focused on the main topics developed within the CROWN project and the results achieved: particularly CROWN demonstrated the different Building Blocks designed during the project and the performance of the demonstrator in a controlled anechoic chamber environment.
CROWNING SUCCESS
CROWN successfully reached its the objective to design, develop and test a compact, lightweight multi-function radiofrequency system prototype, by integrating radar, electronic warfare and communication in one single system, without any end-user restrictions. In addition, the project created a technological demonstrator showcasing the feasibility of the system and its potential to introduce a new enabling capability.
The CROWN project has yielded promising results, establishing a crucial foundation for presenting the CROWN concept. This project also determined necessary investments and outlined research activities essential for further developing a Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL7) prototype demonstration in an operational environment. The project included, in particular, two connected activities focusing on R&D assessment on critical technologies for the development of future European multifunction radio frequency systems and R&T activities on system and component level. Follow-on activities aiming at producing an EU prototype by the end of 2027 are recommended, also exploiting the EDF framework.
CROWN CONSORTIUM
CROWN brought together a consortium of eleven beneficiaries from seven EU countries, led by Indra (Spain): Thales (France), ONERA (France), Hensoldt (Germany), Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniquesv (Germany), SAAB AB (Sweden), FOI (Sweden), TNO (the Netherlands), Leonardo S.p.A (Italy), Elettronica S.p.A (Italy), and Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (Lithuania). The project had a budget of approximately €10 million.
(C) INDRA
ABOUT THE PADR
The CROWN project is part of the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) launched by the European Commission in 2017 to assess and demonstrate the added-value of EU supported defence research and technology (R&T). It paved the way for a proper European Defence Programme to come as part of the European Defence Fund (EDF), under the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027).
The PADR implementation is run by EDA following the mandate via a Delegation Agreement between the European Commission and EDA signed on 31 May 2017. By this agreement the Commission entrusts EDA with the management and implementation of the research projects launched within the PADR.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a call for contributions for market research on innovative unmanned solutions for military logistics. EDA actively engages in market research to discover innovative unmanned technologies for military logistics applications, collecting inputs from commercial entities about their innovative products and services.
The survey aims to identify and understand the market readiness regarding capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) that can support military logistics. The platforms should be able to transport a payload of at least 5kg.
EDA intends to create a representative overview of available solutions, including general technical specifications and operational capabilities.
Participate in the survey by 15 March 2024 and contribute to shaping the future landscape of military logistics.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) brought together 19 European Union Member States and NATO, the European Commission and the EU Satellite Centre for a two-day meeting from 14 February to coordinate and streamline efforts, as the EU develops its space strategy for security and defence. The EU Military Staff and the European External Action Service were also present at EDA's headquarters in Brussels.
The Defence in Space forum was the fifth and largest gathering since its inception in 2022. It discussed the new 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities in space and the tasks assigned to EDA in implementing the EU space strategy.
The space strategy was proposed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commission in March 2023. EDA will focus on providing military requirements to the Commission, as well as developing space education and training for security and defence.
Some EU Member States already have strategies governing the way they work in space. For others an EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence might serve as an inspiration for stronger involvement in the domain.
In the search for collaborative opportunities in space for defence, EDA’s expertise plays a unique role as a bridge between space projects run by different initiatives, such as Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the EU Space Programme.
At the February forum, space planners discussed not just the implementation of tasks stemming from the proposed EU Space Strategy but also how to implement the 2023 Capability Development Priorities. They include space situational awareness, access to space, protection of space systems, space-based earth observation capabilities, positioning, navigation and timing, and satellite communication.
The Defence in Space forum was launched within EDA in October 2022. It was an outcome of the EU’s defence review, CARD, which identified defence in space as a focus area in which collaboration was assessed to be most pressing, most needed, and most promising.
EDA supports its 27 Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the hub for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks allowing it to the whole spectrum of defence capabilities.
Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated, and implemented. For more details, please see here.