About us

Fraunhofer FKIE develops technologies and processes with the aim of early detection, mitigation and management of existential risks. The institute covers all areas of defense and security—whether on land, in the air, at sea, underwater, in cyberspace, or in space.

In close cooperation with strategic partners, the institute is dedicated to the entire data and information processing chain: from data acquisition using a wide variety of sensors, secure transmission via suitable protocols, and application-specific processing using algorithms and artificial intelligence, to fused situation awareness and decision support.

The data and information processing chain is embedded in three research topics which enables their use: On the one hand, the hardware must be protected against ionizing or electromagnetic radiation. On the other hand, the systems must be protected against attacks from cyberspace. The “human factor” is also of central importance to the work at Fraunhofer FKIE: The focus of research is on developing effective and efficient human-machine systems.

The portfolio is supplemented by scientifically based forecasting, analysis, and evaluation across the entire spectrum of technological developments for defense and security.

Thanks to a total of eleven departments with different, complementary core competencies and locations in Wachtberg, Bonn, Euskirchen, Leipzig, and Aachen, the institute has a broad expertise and is capable of offering systemic solutions for national defense and security. Each of these departments conducts research and development at the high scientific level synonymous with the Fraunhofer name. With broad competence and excellence in detail, Fraunhofer FKIE addresses the current scientific and technological challenges in the pressing issues of defense and security.