The iFURTHER project is a major European initiative in the field of long-range surveillance, with applications in both air and maritime domains. This 3-year research and innovation project was funded by the European Defence Fund through EC/DG DEFIS (General Directorate for Defence Industry and Space) and implemented by 17 partners (Industries, Small/Medium-size Enterprises, Scientific Research Institutes and Universities), coordinated by Hellenic Aerospace Industry SA.
iFURTHER focused on beyond-the-horizon surveillance. Its objective was to extend existing over-the-horizon radar technologies and address covert, wide-area air and sea surveillance. In today’s context, where the threat spectrum faced by the European Union is continuously broadening, the project contributed to strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities. It reflects the power of European collaboration in driving innovation and resilience in defence technologies, paving the way for a safer and more secure future.
This is the first step for creating distributed Over-the-horizon radar systems by interconnect HF-based surveillance systems that achieve over-the-horizon capability, within a collaborative radar network aiming to provide sea and air covert surveillance of the EU region.
Foreseen applications of the iFURTHER technology:
- Long-range surveillance out to and beyond 200nm EEZ territory
- Defence against diverse threats through AI-assisted technologies
- Early detection of high speed targets & reduction of reaction time
- Integration within other defence applications / early warning systems
Through the cooperation of European stakeholders and organisations, iFURTHER contributes to the development of a more integrated, resilient and interoperable European surveillance capability, aligned with today’s security and defence requirements.
Short explainer animation video describing the iFURTHER project activities and goals
iFURTHER project achievements video
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
