Security and Defence

The year 2025 marks an important milestone in strengthening LIST’s commitment to the fields of security and defence. In a geopolitical context characterized by the strengthening of European capabilities and the rapid evolution of hybrid and cyber threats, the institute is consolidating its role as a scientific and technological partner in the development of innovative solutions with a strong dual-use component, addressing both civilian needs and security and defence applications.

LIST's research activities align with the technological priorities identified by NATO, the European Union, and national defence strategies. In particular, they cover advanced materials for defence, network and communications resilience, cybersecurity and secure systems, as well as environmental and biological security.

LIST acts as a technology partner in the development of new capabilities through more than twenty research projects conducted with some thirty European and national partners. These collaborations contribute to the development of dual-use technologies that strengthen European resilience and strategic autonomy.

The year 2025 was marked by the preparation and submission of major European projects. Among these is the VLEO for Defence project, proposed under the European Defence Agency (EDA) CapTech Space Category B programme. For this project, LIST is leading the development of atomic oxygen-resistant (ATOX) coatings, a critical technology for space systems operating in very low Earth orbit.

LIST also participated in the proposal for the FAMOUS III project, submitted under the European Defence Fund (EDF). This collaborative project aims to strengthen European capabilities in the field of advanced materials for next-generation defence systems, with a total budget of approximately €110 million, including €77 million in funding from the European Commission.

In the field of dual-use technologies, within its Sustainable Composite Materials & Manufacturing (SCMM), LIST is developing the next-generation of lightweight composite materials for the transportation sector. These materials increase payload capacity while reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. This activity was notably highlighted during a visit by more than 40 European delegates, organized by the Luxembourg Defence Directorate and the European Defence Agency as part of the CapTech Land Meeting and Land Reflection Days.