Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR11th Wachtberg Forum: Radar Research in the Context of Defense, Space, and Security
State-of-the-art radar applications to support the German Armed Forces, industry, and society: At the 11th Wachtberg Forum of the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR from June 21 to 22, 2023, the institute presented a wide range of his research results. Over 130 guests from business and defense, science and industry attended the event on the campus in Wachtberg-Werthhoven around the space observation radar TIRA. The program included an exhibition and technical lectures with live demonstrations. This year, Major General Traut, Commander of the German Armed Forces Space Command, was invited to give the keynote address.
In the large exhibition section, the scientists of Fraunhofer FHR showcased current projects of the institute in the fields of defense, space, and security. Numerous practical applications of radar and high-frequency research were demonstrated to the visitors.
The program of the first day included the presentation of the new structure of Fraunhofer FHR and the topic »Radar as a Key Technology for Space Situational Awareness.« In his keynote, Major General Traut emphasized the growing importance of security in space – both in terms of space safety, i.e., the prevention of accidents and unintentional risks, and in the section of space security, which includes the defense against intentionally caused risks and threats. On the second day, the lectures focused on »Radar as a Key Technology for Defense and Security.« Topics included satellite-based passive radar, simulation and application of electronic reconnaissance, and ultra-high-resolution drone SAR. Highlights of the lectures were the live demonstrations of the presented systems, which were transmitted via video from the exhibition grounds to the lectures.
»The Wachtberg Forum 2023 brought together numerous players in the industry and initiated much exchange, cooperation, and networking in the section of future technology radar. The great interest shown by visitors from industry, defense, and research indicates that our radar and high-frequency applications make a significant contribution to solving current and future societal challenges,« said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Knott, Director of the Fraunhofer FHR.
