The Project

Recent developments in modern warfare have demonstrated that dominance in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum has become a decisive factor for mission effectiveness and platform survivability. As military systems become increasingly dependent on advanced sensors, communications, radar systems and electronic networks, the ability to minimize detectability and withstand electromagnetic threats is now a critical operational requirement.

Modern defence platforms operating in contested electromagnetic environments are continuously exposed to radar surveillance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electronic warfare threats. In such environments, conventional protection approaches based on external coatings or metallic shielding solutions present significant limitations in durability, weight, scalability and long-term performance stability.

The ABBOT project aims to address these challenges by developing an innovative generation of multifunctional structural composites with intrinsically integrated radar-absorbing (RAM) and EMI shielding capabilities. Unlike conventional surface-level solutions, ABBOT embeds EM functionality directly into the structural material architecture, enabling lightweight, durable and high-performance composites capable of reducing Radar Cross Section (RCS) while simultaneously protecting sensitive electronic systems from disruptive electromagnetic effects.

Leveraging advanced material science, nanotechnology and smart manufacturing, ABBOT combines bio-based vitrimers, engineered thermoplastics and MXene nanomaterials with advanced fabrication technologies such as Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), Continuous Fiber 3D Printing and proprietary Y-PREG processing. This integrated approach enables scalable production of customizable composite structures with tailored EM response across broad microwave frequency ranges.

Through advanced simulation tools, material optimization and experimental validation, ABBOT seeks to improve the stealth, resilience, operational reliability and sustainability of next-generation defence platforms. The project also contributes to strengthening European strategic autonomy by fostering EU-based innovation and manufacturing capabilities in critical defence materials and EM protection technologies.