DFS DEUTSCHE FLUGSICHERUNG GMBH

Their core work

DFS is Germany's national air navigation service provider (ANSP), responsible for managing all air traffic control across German airspace — one of the busiest in Europe. In H2020, they contribute deep operational expertise to the SESAR programme, Europe's initiative to modernize air traffic management. Their work spans controller tools and decision support systems, trajectory management, communication/navigation/surveillance infrastructure, and the integration of drones and urban air mobility into controlled airspace. As an operational ANSP, they bring real-world validation environments that most research partners cannot offer.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2016–2019), DFS focused on foundational SESAR building blocks: SWIM data infrastructure, airspace management, en-route operations, interoperability demonstrations, and the Single European Sky master plan — essentially the core modernization of traditional ATM. From 2019 onward, their portfolio shifted toward operational refinement and new entrants: enhanced TMA procedures (arrivals, departures, AMAN/XMAN), satellite-based precision approaches (GBAS CAT II/III), and the integration of drones and RPAS into controlled airspace. This evolution mirrors the broader SESAR trajectory from architectural groundwork to real-world deployment and the urgent challenge of accommodating unmanned traffic.

DFS is increasingly investing in U-space, urban air mobility, and satellite-based precision approaches — making them a key partner for anyone working on safe drone integration or next-generation landing systems in European airspace.

How they like to work

DFS overwhelmingly participates as a partner (32 of 35 projects) rather than leading, which is typical for ANSPs that contribute operational expertise and validation environments to research-led consortia. They coordinated 3 projects, notably PJ10 PROSA and PJ27, both in their core domain of controller tools and interoperability. With 163 unique partners across 29 countries, they operate as a well-connected hub in the SESAR ecosystem — a reliable operational validator that most consortia want but few can replace.

DFS has worked with 163 distinct consortium partners across 29 countries, making them one of the most broadly connected ANSPs in the SESAR ecosystem. Their network naturally centres on European aviation authorities, SESAR JU members, and aerospace industry players.

What sets them apart

DFS controls one of Europe's most complex airspace systems, handling over 3 million flights annually, giving them an unmatched operational testing ground for ATM research. Unlike academic or industrial partners, they can validate concepts in real operational environments with live air traffic — a capability essential for SESAR demonstration projects. Their combination of operational authority, technical depth in controller tools, and growing U-space expertise makes them a uniquely credible partner for moving ATM innovations from simulation to deployment.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PJ10-W2 PROSA
  Their largest project (EUR 2.3M, coordinator role) on separation management and controller tools — represents their core domain leadership.
• VLD1-W2 DREAMS
  Demonstration of GBAS CAT II/III satellite-based approaches (EUR 721K), bridging the gap between satellite navigation research and operational runway use.
• CORUS
  Early participation in defining the concept of operations for European UTM systems — positioning DFS at the ground floor of drone airspace integration.