FORTH will have a dynamic presence at the International Defence Exhibition Athens, taking place from May 6 to 8, 2025, at Metropolitan Expo, in Hall 1, Booth 08 of the Ministry of Development. Leading companies and organizations will showcase the latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea and air. The exhibitionwas will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence.

FORTH will showcase innovative systems that are developed in its research laboratories, at the Institutes of Computer Science, Electronic Structure and Laser and Chemical Engineering Sciences and more specifically:

• Innovative technologies for unmanned vehicles and robotic systems
• Advanced surveillance and reconnaissance systems
• Advanced Cybersecurity and digital protection technologies
• AI-driven solutions for strategic applications
• Novel materials and advanced manufacturing technologies

FORTH consistently conducts cutting-edge applied research, supporting national priorities in all technological sectors, including defence and security.

FORTH Exhibits in Detail:

The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) and the Micro-Nanoelectronics Group will present:

• Radio Frequency Front End (RFFE) circuit with ultra-small dimensions, full power down capability, Rx / Tx modes and frequency, according to requirements. This front-end circuit is designed with micro and pico Satellites in mind, offering a compact and power optimized design. It will be incorporated in a beacon pico-cube satellite destined to serve as a Satellite identification and localization system (SiDLOC) funded by the European Space Agency. (European Space Agency, ARTES) (https://sidloc.org/)

• Multi-spectral reconfigurable meta-surface for defence applications -Camouflage for multiple targeting systems (IR, Radar) able to reconfigure its functionality (European Defence Agency – HiMMODA, European Defence Fund – ACROSS) https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/brochures/himmoda-factsheet-eda.pdf
• An innovative technological platform for high-power “flexible” electronics. This technology will support the need for future conformal antennae focusing for “On the Move applications” at high frequencies (above X-band) and high powers (above 5W).

(European Defence Fund – POWERFLEX 2022–2026)

• High power and high frequency microwave monolithic integrated circuit wafers for radar and other high frequency and power applications such as satellite telecommunications (SATCOM).

Presentation of the collaboration of the 1st (EU-funded)) Hellenic Nanoelectronics Pilot Line with the Greek circuit design company Circuits Integrated Hellas (booth B30, Hall 1).

The exhibits from the Institute of Computer Science (ICS) will include the following:

• The Computational Vision and Robotics Laboratory presented e-Cattie, a robotic system with walking and climbing capabilities. It has a unique, biologically inspired design as well as an integrated vacuum system and specially designed multi-functional suction cups, which allow it to adhere to any surface, regardless of the slope, even upside down. These capabilities make e-Cattie an ideal system for inspection, search and rescue and data collection missions in inaccessible areas.

• The Digital Signal Processing Lab presented an AI-Enhanced Passive Radar for Drone Detection Using 5G Signal Reflectance. Effective drone detection is essential for protecting critical infrastructure from emerging threats. We propose a cost-efficient, AI-powered passive radar system (PRS) that uses 5G signal reflections for drone detection and classification. Unlike traditional systems requiring dedicated transmitters, our approach leverages existing 5G networks, offering energy efficiency and resilience to electronic warfare. The system utilizes 5G's high bandwidth and MIMO capabilities, integrating deep learning to distinguish drone signals from noise and interference. It is compatible with 4G and adaptable to future 6G networks, while simulations using our in-house simulator confirm its high-resolution performance in diverse conditions, advancing air defence technologies. (Funded by IAMD COE, "Call for Competition (CFC) No FINCON 2309").

The Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT) will present two exhibits:

• The Applied Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory will present a technology for developing personal protective armor to maximize the performance-to-weight ratio [http://thorax.iceht.forth.gr/index.php/en/]. Conventionally, technical fabrics, which offer high strength and protection, are heavy, which limits the mobility and comfort of users when, and if, due to their weight, they are worn. The goal of this new technology, which is currently under development, is the possibility of redesigning commercial protective armors with a feedback loop of their optimization. The differentiation of their molecular fiber orientation to a higher and lower degree than the conventional and their use in interlayer reinforcement of their conventional substrates, as well as the structural information after ballistic and knife tests will be correlated with mechanical properties, through hierarchical multi-scale simulation, in order to indicate the parameters that will allow for an effective redesign. (Funded by EPAnEK 2014–2020)

• The Electrochemical Processes Laboratory will showcase hydrogen energy technologies for power generation and energy storage. The lab has designed high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HTPEMFCs) in pilot size of up to 2 kW, for power and heat generation with superheated steam production. The HTPEMFC cell due to its compact design, low weight (1-2kg/kW) and efficient cooling, is particularly attractive in power generation in unmanned aerial vehicles (DRONES), offering the potential to more than triple the flight time, compared to conventional lithium batteries.
  Moreover, during the exhibition, ICE-HT will showcase a high-pressure polymer electrolyte type electrolysis reactor, that has the ability to split water into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂), while simultaneously compressing the gases at high pressure, without the use of a compressor. The reactor is self-fed with water and operates without a high-pressure water pump, achieving significant energy savings for the compression and recirculation of water. Due to its low weight and small dimensions, it can be used in a portable high pressure hydrogen production system. These activities have been funded by a number of European projects focused on materials development. A significant part of the pilot provisions has been funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Greek SOLAR2HYP project.

Parallel Events

PRAXI Network, the Technology Transfer Unit of FORTH, will organize a B2B Matchmaking Event, on May 7–8. The event will promote international technological, business, and research collaborations in the emerging fields of defence and security. Supported by the Enterprise Europe Network and the Sector Group for Aerospace and Defence.

Also, on the 7th of May a conference entitled «Connecting Research with the Defense Industry», will take place with the aim of informing the Greek Research, Technology and Innovation Ecosystem on R&D programs and activities within the defence industry, exploring prospects for future collaborations.

The event will feature welcome addresses by high-level representatives of the State and the research ecosystem , and panel discussions with prominent institutional, research, and industry experts from Greece and abroad. Topics that will be included are:

• R&D and Innovation in Defence & Security
• European and International Funding Opportunities
• Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity
• Advanced Materials and their Applications in Energy and Space