Rohde & Schwarz
German private technology group supplying electronic test and measurement, broadcast, secure communications, cybersecurity and radio-monitoring systems. Luxembourgish food brand
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Rohde & Schwarz is a privately owned German technology group headquartered in Munich. Its principal activities span electronic test and measurement, broadcast and media technology, cybersecurity, radiomonitoring, radiolocation, radiocommunications and secure information systems. The company sells both instruments used by engineers and manufacturers and complex communications and monitoring systems used by telecommunications operators, broadcasters, airports, public authorities, armed forces and other critical-infrastructure customers. The business originated with physicists Lothar Rohde and Hermann Schwarz, who developed measurement equipment for high-frequency materials and components. Their first instrument was built in 1932, and the Physikalisch-Technisches Entwicklungslabor Dr. Rohde & Dr. Schwarz began commercial activity in August 1933. Early work focused on difficult radio-frequency measurements, including equipment for testing low-loss ceramic insulation. By the late 1930s the company had moved to Munich, employed several dozen people and offered a broad catalog of instruments. A second production site was established in Allgäu during the Second World War, when demand from military radio and radar manufacturers became an important part of the business. This period forms part of the company’s historical record but also places its early expansion within the wider militarization of the German economy. After 1945, the company resumed operations and received a substantial order from the United States Army to equip the U.S. Air Force base at Erding. The business adopted the Rohde & Schwarz name and subsequently became a significant supplier of radar, reconnaissance and communications equipment to the newly established Bundeswehr. It also developed long-running relationships with German government and intelligence institutions. Over later decades, the company expanded internationally and broadened its portfolio beyond traditional radio-frequency instruments into broadcast transmitters, mobile-network testing, secure communications, network infrastructure, radio intelligence and cybersecurity. Its test-and-measurement portfolio includes oscilloscopes, spectrum and signal analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers, electromagnetic-compatibility equipment and systems for wireless standards ranging from legacy cellular technologies through LTE and 5G. These products support chipset, handset, base-station, automotive, aerospace, satellite and defense development as well as production and network operation. The company’s broadcast business supplies equipment for radio and television production, encoding, transmission and monitoring across standards including DVB-T2, ATSC and ISDB-T. Its QPS line extends the business into aviation and access-control security screening. In defense and government markets, Rohde & Schwarz supplies software-defined radios, tactical networks, electronic intelligence systems, radio monitoring and secure voice and data communications. The SOVERON family is a major example: it is designed for interoperable tactical communications across HF, VHF and UHF ranges and incorporates frequency-hopping and digital voice technologies. The company was awarded a multibillion-euro German military communications modernization contract in the early 2020s. The program has also attracted scrutiny over equipment size, power consumption, cooling requirements and operational complexity in some intended vehicles. Rohde & Schwarz has expanded through acquisitions and partnerships. Notable developments include the acquisition and later integration of oscilloscope manufacturer HAMEG, investment in air-traffic-control communications technology, a joint venture with Rheinmetall for digital Bundeswehr solutions, and acquisitions in analytics and technology training. The company reports a worldwide presence spanning more than 70 countries and a workforce exceeding 15,000 in recent company descriptions. It remains pri…
History
Rohde & Schwarz was established in Germany in 1933 by physicists Lothar Rohde and Hermann Schwarz. Its origins in radio-frequency and electronic engineering shaped the company’s later specialization in instruments capable of generating, measuring, and analyzing signals. Over time, the business expanded from laboratory-oriented equipment into broader communications, broadcast, security, and systems markets. Test and measurement became the group’s central commercial identity. As wireless standards, semiconductor designs, automotive electronics, and high-frequency systems grew more complex, Rohde & Schwarz developed instruments and automated test solutions for both research and manufacturing. Its portfolio came to include signal generators, spectrum and signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, radio-communication testers, and specialized phase-noise, power, and millimeter-wave measurement products. These tools are used throughout product development and compliance workflows, including work associated with cellular networks, satellites, radar, connected vehicles, and advanced electronic components. The group also built a substantial broadcast and media business. Its systems support content production and processing, video and audio workflows, media storage and distribution, monitoring, and terrestrial transmission. This activity positioned the company not only as an instrument maker but also as an infrastructure supplier to broadcasters and media organizations. A further area of development has been technology systems for government, defense, and secure communications. Rohde & Schwarz supplies radio monitoring and radiolocation capabilities, secure communications-related systems, and solutions for analyzing and protecting complex communication environments. Its Networks & Cybersecurity activities broaden the company’s role from measuring signals to helping customers test, monitor, and secure networks and information systems. The company has used acquisitions to extend its technical scope. Zurich Instruments joined the group in 2021 as a full subsidiary, adding expertise relevant to quantum computing and quantum measurement. In 2025, Rohde & Schwarz acquired ZES ZIMMER Electronic Systems, a German specialist in precision power measurement, strengthening coverage of power-electronics applications. In 2026, it acquired Software Radio Systems, an Ireland-based developer of software-defined mobile-communications systems, supporting work in software-defined radio, non-terrestrial networks, and prospective 6G technologies. Marketing has increasingly combined traditional engineering events with digital engagement. The company’s SHOWTIME initiative responded to the cancellation of major broadcast trade shows in 2020 by replacing some face-to-face activity with virtual meetings, demonstrations, webinars, and educational sessions. Its Asia-Pacific organization later used LinkedIn for full-funnel business-to-business marketing, while the R&S Essentials campaign used humor to make a practical measurement range more approachable. Through these activities, Rohde & Schwarz has maintained a specialist positioning based on technical credibility, long-term customer support, and solutions for increasingly connected and security-sensitive industries.
- 2026
Software Radio Systems acquisition
[4]Software Radio Systems became a Rohde & Schwarz group company, extending the group’s software-defined radio and mobile-communications portfolio.
- 2025
ZES ZIMMER acquisition
[3]The acquisition of ZES ZIMMER added high-precision power-measurement expertise for power-electronics applications.
- 2021
Zurich Instruments joins the group
[2]Rohde & Schwarz acquired Zurich Instruments AG, broadening its test-and-measurement presence into quantum technology.
- 2020
SHOWTIME virtual customer-engagement initiative
[5]The group introduced a virtual sales and marketing format after the cancellation of NAB and IBC, combining online meetings and technical content.
- 1933
Company founded
[1]Physicists Lothar Rohde and Hermann Schwarz established the German electronics company that became Rohde & Schwarz.
Products and positioning
A high-end, engineering-led supplier of precision electronic measurement and communications infrastructure for industrial, scientific, government, defense, and broadcast customers.
Vector signal generator
R&S SMW200A
A high-performance vector signal generator used to create complex digitally modulated and radio-frequency signals for wireless, aerospace, defense, radar, and satellite development and test. It is designed for demanding research, verification, and production environments where accurate, repeatable signal generation is required.
Signal and spectrum analyzer
R&S FSW
A precision analyzer family for examining signals across demanding frequency ranges and measurement conditions. Applications include wireless communications, aerospace and defense, radar, phase and noise analysis, and advanced component development.
General-purpose test and measurement instruments
R&S Essentials
A range positioned for everyday laboratory, education, service, and manufacturing tasks. The portfolio gives users access to practical measurement equipment while the associated campaign presents the products in a more accessible and less formal style than traditional specialist-instrument advertising.
Broadcast infrastructure
Broadcast and media systems
Rohde & Schwarz supplies systems for broadcast production, media processing, playout, monitoring, distribution, and terrestrial transmission. These offerings address broadcasters and media operators seeking integrated workflows, operational efficiency, and resilient delivery infrastructure.
Government and defense systems
Radio monitoring and radiolocation systems
Specialized systems for detecting, analyzing, locating, and monitoring radio signals. They support regulatory, public-sector, security, and defense users dealing with complex electromagnetic environments.
Controversies
2024
Media report alleges indirect diversion of Rohde & Schwarz products to Russia
A Czech media report alleged that tactical products moved through intermediary companies from a Rohde & Schwarz Czech operation to Russian recipients, including entities linked to state defense and nuclear research. The allegations concern indirect trade routes and were reported rather than established here as a final legal finding.
2024
Alleged indirect shipments to Russia
A Czech media report alleged that products from a Rohde & Schwarz Czech operation reached Russian companies through shell or intermediary entities, including an organization linked to a state nuclear-weapons research center. The report raised questions about sanctions compliance and the possible military use of the products; the allegation should not be treated as an adjudicated finding without further primary documentation.
2013
Reported interest in sales to Iran
Reporting stated that Rohde & Schwarz sought to sell measurement technology to Iran for a missile-related program through an intermediary in the United Arab Emirates. The available reference describes the allegation and intended transaction, not a final legal determination.
2010
NSA surveillance disclosures
Documents made public during the Edward Snowden disclosures indicated that Rohde & Schwarz communications appeared on an NSA target or monitoring list. The company was among German businesses affected by intelligence collection disclosures.
Marketing campaigns
- 2020SHOWTIME
Global broadcast and media markets
A virtual customer-engagement program created when NAB and IBC were cancelled. It offered individual online meetings alongside webinars, masterclasses, product demonstrations, and video presentations.
Outcome. Provided an alternative to large trade-show interactions and emphasized more personalized, lower-travel customer contact.
- 2018Asia-Pacific LinkedIn demand-generation campaign
Asia-Pacific
An integrated organic and paid LinkedIn program sought to improve brand awareness, nurture prospects, and generate qualified business-to-business leads across a diverse regional market.
Outcome. LinkedIn’s case study reported cost per lead as much as 80% below cited industry benchmarks.
- Designed for you. Not for the Hype
International
An Iris Germany campaign for the R&S Essentials range used irreverent humor and short films to communicate practical product benefits to engineers, students, and manufacturing technicians.
Brand decisions
2026
Acquire Software Radio SystemsM&ABackground
Software-defined radio and software for mobile, satellite, and next-generation wireless communications were strategic areas of expansion.
Action taken
Rohde & Schwarz acquired Software Radio Systems effective March 5, 2026, keeping the company’s name, leadership team, and product roadmap.
Aftermath
The deal strengthened capabilities related to 5G, non-terrestrial networks, AI-based test solutions, and 6G research.
2025
Acquire ZES ZIMMERM&ABackground
The group sought to strengthen measurement capabilities for power electronics.
Action taken
Rohde & Schwarz acquired ZES ZIMMER Electronic Systems GmbH and planned to integrate the family-owned specialist into the group while retaining its Oberursel location.
Aftermath
The acquisition complemented the group’s test-and-measurement portfolio with precision power-measurement expertise.
2021
Acquire Zurich InstrumentsM&ABackground
Quantum computing and quantum sensing were identified as long-term growth areas related to precision measurement.
Action taken
Rohde & Schwarz acquired Zurich Instruments AG and retained it as a full subsidiary.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded the test-and-measurement portfolio into quantum-technology applications.
Recent events
Reported
Prime Technology receives Rohde & Schwarz Top Supplier 2021 Award[9]
3CEMS Group announced that its Prime Technology business was recognized by Rohde & Schwarz with the Top Supplier 2021 Award as a Strategy Partner for one year.
Reported
China Telecom grants CTTTC terminal technology certifications[10]
China Telecom awarded CTTTC terminal-chip technology certifications to 5G chip products and terminal-test-system technology certifications to 5G testing systems from the named companies.
Reported
Farnell launches discounted Rohde & Schwarz equipment bundles[11]
Farnell launched a limited-time offer on Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement equipment bundles, with discounts of up to 50 percent. The bundles were available through Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC until 31 March 2021.
Reported
Eurofins Digital Testing and Rohde & Schwarz cooperate on high-speed interface testing[12]
Eurofins Digital Testing and Rohde & Schwarz announced that they are working together to provide customers access to high-speed signal analysis and compliance testing tools, and to provide certification services for high-speed communications technologies including USB.
- Unconfirmed
Rohde & Schwarz launches R&S EM200 receiver[13]
Rohde & Schwarz launched the R&S EM200, a compact digital receiver that supports spectrum monitoring and direction finding.
Reported
Rohde & Schwarz launches Cloud4Testing[14]
Rohde & Schwarz launched R&S Cloud4Testing, a browser-based SaaS platform that lets users access its software for remote RF analysis without purchasing a perpetual software licence.
Reported
ipoque announces R&S Net Sensor OEM[15]
ipoque GmbH, a Rohde & Schwarz company, announced its new software IP probe, R&S Net Sensor OEM. The product was set to make its debut at Mobile World Congress Los Angeles.
Sources16 sources
- 1Rohde & Schwarz official company overviewrohde-schwarz.com
- 2Rohde & Schwarz acquisition of Zurich Instrumentsprnewswire.com
- 3Rohde & Schwarz acquisition of ZES ZIMMERrohde-schwarz.com
- 4Rohde & Schwarz acquisition of Software Radio Systemsrohde-schwarz.com
- 5Rohde & Schwarz SHOWTIME initiativerohde-schwarz.com
- 6Designed for you. Not for the Hype campaignadsoftheworld.com
- 7LinkedIn Rohde & Schwarz case studybusiness.linkedin.com
- 8Media report alleges indirect diversion of Rohde & Schwarz products to Russiaen.wikipedia.org
- 9Prime Technology获颁Rohde & Schwarz 2021年度顶级供应商奖iconnect007.com
- 10中国电信颁发CTTTC终端技术认证finance.sina.com.cn
- 11Farnell推出Rohde & Schwarz设备套装折扣cieonline.co.uk
- 12Eurofins Digital Testing and Rohde & Schwarz cooperate on high-speed interface testingopenpr.com
- 13罗德与施瓦茨推出 R&S EM200 接收机rfglobalnet.com
- 14罗德与施瓦茨发布 Cloud4Testing 云平台tech.sina.com.cn
- 15ipoque宣布推出R&S Net Sensor OEMfinanznachrichten.de
- 16罗德与施瓦茨推出用于微波器件测试的全新系统放大器finance.sina.com.cn
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