The SHIMBAD project (SHIpborne MultiBand AESA Demonstrator)

A breakthrough technological initiative funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF 2025). XYSensing, serving as the Polish partner within this prestigious international consortium, is participating in the development of the first fully European multi-functional, multi-band radar architecture designed for modern naval platforms.

About the Project

The primary goal of the SHIMBAD project is to design, build, and validate a scalable 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) demonstrator. This initiative focuses on creating a system capable of simultaneous operation across multiple frequency bands, addressing the increasing requirements of the modern naval battlefield.

The SHIMBAD system aims to strengthen European technological sovereignty in advanced sensor systems, offering unique operational capabilities for the surveillance and protection of naval vessels against complex threats.

Key Operational Capabilities

The solutions developed within the SHIMBAD project will provide comprehensive support for situational awareness and electronic protection at sea:

  • Multi-Band Area Surveillance: The ability to simultaneously monitor vast air and surface spaces using different frequency bands.

  • Precision Tracking: Advanced 4D functions allowing for the accurate localization and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously.

  • Electronic Protection: The capacity to operate effectively in highly congested electromagnetic environments and maintain resilience against adversary electronic countermeasures.

  • Multifunctionality: Integration of multiple radar tasks within a single, cohesive hardware and software architecture.

  • Scalability: A modular design that allows the radar configuration to be adapted to the specific requirements of various types of naval platforms.

Project Essentials

SHIMBAD is implemented as part of the European Defence Fund (EDF 2025) development actions in the field of multi-band 4D radars. The project is scheduled for a duration of 48 months and includes key stages such as knowledge integration, feasibility studies, and system design.

Consortium Members

The project brings together a group of leading European research institutes and defense industry entities:

  • XYSensing Sp. z o.o. (Poland)

  • AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GMBH (Austria)

  • Baltijos Pazangiu Technologiju Institutas (Lithuania)

  • CAFA Tech OU (Estonia)

  • Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (Italy)

  • Eldes S.R.L. (Italy)

  • Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V. (Germany)

  • Hensoldt Sensors GMBH (Germany)

  • Incirt GMBH (Germany)

  • Leonardo - Società Per Azioni (Italy)

  • Nordic Radar Solutions APS (Denmark)

  • Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales (France)

  • Saab Aktiebolag (Sweden)

  • Sentech SRL (Italy)

  • Stam SRL (Italy)

  • Tecnobit SL (Spain)

  • Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT OY (Finland)

  • Thales LAS France SAS (France)

  • Totalforsvarets Forskningsinstitut (Sweden)

Project Brochure (PDF)

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