The ATM-EXCITE project is a groundbreaking initiative supported by the SESAR3 Joint Undertaking (Grant agreement ID: 101167361) under European Union´s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. Its mission is to address the increasing complexity of air traffic management (ATM) by fostering seamless civil-military coordination through innovative technologies and methodologies. As the aviation sector faces unprecedented challenges in managing diverse air traffic, including drones and unmanned vehicles, ATM-EXCITE emerges as a vital response to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of European airspace.
With rising air traffic volumes and the inclusion of military operations, Europe’s current air traffic systems are under pressure to adapt. The lack of interoperability and real-time coordination between civil and military aviation is a key bottleneck, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and safety concerns. ATM-EXCITE aims to break these barriers by integrating state-of-the-art solutions that enhance communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities.
Project objectives
Develop interoperable systems and protocols that enable efficient sharing of data, such as flight trajectories and surveillance information, without compromising security.
Utilize predictive analytics and secure communication to minimize airspace congestion, reduce delays, and improve fuel efficiency.
Design robust systems to protect sensitive aviation data from cyber threats while ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of both civil and military operations.
Support the EU’s Green Deal by enabling smarter airspace use, leading to fewer emissions and energy savings.
Air Traffic Management (ATM) refers to the complex systems and procedures that coordinate aircraft movement through controlled airspace. From takeoff to landing, ATM ensures that air traffic flows safely, efficiently, and without delay.
At the heart of ATM lies Air Traffic Control (ATC), which relies on radar, satellite technology, and advanced communication systems to monitor and to seperate aircraft from each other on their journeys. This sophisticated system becomes under high load in high-density airspace, where seamless coordination is essential.
Modern ATM leans heavily on technology—systems like Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) and advanced flight sequencing tools help air traffic controllers maintain situational awareness and respond swiftly to evolving conditions. While some satellite constellations such as Iridium-NEXT carry ADS-B receivers, it’s important to clarify that ADS-B is not inherently a satellite-based technology; in many operational environments, the signal is received by ground-based stations.
Equally important is ATM’s role in managing shared airspace between civil and military operations. Coordinating these two spheres is crucial not just for efficiency, but also for national and regional security.
ATM systems are the technological backbone of modern aviation. They provide the infrastructure needed to monitor and control aircraft in real time, ensure reliable pilot-controller communication, and manage the ever-increasing demand for efficient airspace usage.
Radar systems and ADS-B offer continuous tracking of aircraft positions, speeds, and altitudes. Communication systems—both voice and digital—enable clear, uninterrupted dialogue between pilots and controllers. These tools are critical for maintaining order in increasingly crowded skies.
Beyond monitoring, ATM systems also play a strategic role in managing airspace. Sophisticated planning tools allow controllers to reroute flights, allocate airspace dynamically, and reduce delays.
Newer technologies are pushing the boundaries further. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being introduced to support ATM operations—not to make decisions, but to enhance data analysis, pattern recognition, and operational foresight. These tools are gradually being integrated to help automate repetitive tasks and improve predictive capabilities. EASA, in collaboration with external experts, is currently developing the PART-AI regulation, which will define how AI can be safely implemented in aviation systems.
The skies over Europe are often shared between commercial aircraft and military operations. This makes civil-military cooperation an essential part of modern ATM.
Effective collaboration allows both sectors to operate safely within overlapping airspace. Whether it’s near major airports or along congested corridors, coordinated airspace sharing reduces bottlenecks and improves traffic flow. Military and civil authorities also share radar and surveillance systems, helping to extend coverage and enhance awareness.
This partnership becomes especially vital in crisis situations. During national emergencies or large-scale disasters, military controllers can support civilian traffic, and vice versa. Notable examples include joint operations by the U.S. FAA and Department of Defense, as well as NATO’s close coordination with European civil aviation bodies.
Recent technological advancements are transforming ATM systems across the globe. Increased automation is helping air traffic controllers manage ever more complex airspace, minimizing human error and optimizing routing in real time.
AI-driven tools are being used to sift through massive amounts of flight data, identifying patterns that may indicate delays, congestion, or other disruptions. While these systems do not currently make altitude adjustments or real-time decisions, they provide invaluable support that allows human operators to work more efficiently and safely.
The adoption of 4D trajectory management and satellite-supported surveillance continues to enhance precision tracking and improve the flow of aircraft across international borders. These innovations are paving the way for a smarter, more connected airspace.
Civil-military interoperability offers a host of operational and strategic advantages:
ATM systems vary in design and deployment. Traditional radar-based systems are still widely used, especially in regions with dense air traffic. These rely on ground-based stations to detect aircraft positions in real time.
On the other hand, satellite-based systems, including some implementations of ADS-B, provide extended surveillance coverage, particularly in remote or oceanic airspace where radar is not viable. It’s important to note that ADS-B is versatile and can operate using both terrestrial and satellite receivers, depending on the infrastructure in place.
Air Traffic Management (ATM) is a broader concept encompassing the strategic planning, coordination, and optimization of airspace use. Air Traffic Services (ATS), by contrast, refer to the day-to-day, tactical services like air traffic control that ensure safe aircraft movement.
Together, ATM and ATS form the backbone of a well-orchestrated aviation system—balancing long-term planning with real-time operations.
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ATM-EXCITE leverages cutting-edge solutions, including:
Ensuring the authenticity of aviation data to combat threats like spoofing.
Balancing confidentiality and operational transparency through innovative data encryption.
Enhancing trust and traceability in aviation data exchanges.
Pioneering secure, scalable communication systems for the aviation ecosystem.
Simulating real-world civil-military interactions to refine and optimize airspace management.
ATM-EXCITE aligns with the Digital European Sky vision, ensuring Europe’s ATM systems are future-ready. By advancing civil-military interoperability, the project contributes to:
This initiative sets a benchmark in collaborative innovation, uniting stakeholders from across Europe to create a safer, more efficient, and greener aviation future. Explore how ATM-EXCITE is redefining air traffic management to meet the demands of tomorrow.
Improved aviation safety and efficiency.
Strengthened network capacity for managing diverse air traffic.
Reduced environmental footprint, moving towards net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
The SESAR Joint Undertaking invites researchers, engineers, and innovators in air traffic management (ATM), aviation cybersecurity, and civil-military coordination to submit their contributions to SESAR
On 26 May 2026, ATM-EXCITE was selected as a flagship reference case for the Civil-Military Walking Tour at Airspace World 2026. The tour was led
On 28 January 2026, ATM-EXCITE and MITRANO held a joint internal workshop on SESAR project synergies and future perspectives. The aim was simple: align on
The SESAR Joint Undertaking invites researchers, engineers, and innovators in air traffic management (ATM), aviation cybersecurity, and civil-military coordination to submit their contributions to SESAR
On 26 May 2026, ATM-EXCITE was selected as a flagship reference case for the Civil-Military Walking Tour at Airspace World 2026. The tour was led