An initiative funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF) aimed at boosting the development of next-generation systems based on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, which replaces traditional architectures based on different sensors dedicated to each function. This project, like the previous CROWN project, both funded by the European Commission and led by Indra Group, is building the technological foundations of Multifunction Radio Frequency Systems (MFRFS) in key areas such as broadband AESA antennas, direct signal digitization, and advanced resource management.
The objective is to respond to the increasing complexity and saturation of the electromagnetic environment, multi-domain scenarios, and the need to reduce the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of defense platforms, especially critical in aircraft, to provide an operational advantage against the enemy.
SCEPTER represents a decisive step towards more compact, efficient, adaptable, and sovereign systems, reinforcing European technological autonomy in critical defense capabilities and positioning Europe, and Spain in particular, among the few global actors capable of designing, manufacturing, and integrating advanced, next-generation radio frequency technologies. It develops a truly multi-function European system capable of simultaneously and in a coordinated manner executing detection, electronic protection, and communications missions, significantly improving the situational awareness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of European armed forces.
The project is coordinated by Indra Group and brings together a consortium of 14 organizations from nine European countries, large defense companies, technology centers, universities and specialized SMEs, with extensive experience in multifunction radar, radio frequency component design and electronic warfare systems: BPTI (Lithuania), CAFA Tech (Estonia), CNIT, Elettronica and Leonardo (Italy), Fraunhofer and Hensoldt (Germany), TNO (Netherlands), ONERA and Thales (France), SAAB and FOI (Sweden) and XY Sensing (Poland).
Indra Group is also leading the design and validation of a technology demonstrator that uses AESA technology and COTS components, that is, commercially available hardware, which allows for cost reduction and accelerated development.
“SCEPTER is a key project for the future of European defense systems, as it enables a technological leap in the integration of radar, electronic warfare, and communications into a single, more efficient, multi-function solution, better prepared for the most demanding operational scenarios. At Indra, we are leading this initiative with the aim of strengthening European technological sovereignty and consolidating our own strategic capabilities in advanced radio frequency,” stated Daniel González, Head of R&D Programs within the Innovation Department of the Indra Group.
The application of artificial intelligence and cognitive architectures to electromagnetic spectrum management is one of SCEPTER's key differentiators, enabling future platforms to operate with greater efficiency, resilience, and adaptability. Among its main lines of work, SCEPTER envisions the development of multifunction ultra-wideband AESA radars and high-efficiency radio frequency modules; the use of advanced gallium nitride (GaN) technologies that allow for more powerful, compact, and energy-efficient devices; and a digital back-end and advanced resource management systems supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. The project also incorporates adaptive and cognitive design approaches that facilitate dynamic waveform optimization, threat detection and classification, and operation in complex electromagnetic environments, along with advanced modeling, simulation, and digital twin methodologies aimed at accelerating system development and validation.
The initiative will culminate in the design and demonstration of the system's main functional blocks, including radiating panels, RF transmission and reception modules, digital back-end solutions, and an advanced intelligent resource management component.
