The European Defence Agency (EDA) has announced the completion of the initial phase of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing advanced camouflage technologies tailored for military vehicles and equipment. The program, known as Advanced Solutions for Camouflage of Land Systems using smart and adaptive materials (ASCALS), was initiated in response to the rapid evolution of surveillance technologies, including visible, radar, and thermal detection capabilities.
Over the course of nearly two years and with a budget of approximately 1.3 million euros ($1.42 million), the first phase concentrated on the creation of materials engineered to dynamically adapt to varying environmental conditions. According to a press release from the EDA, these innovative materials are intended to alter their optical, thermal, and radar signatures, effectively concealing ground-based military systems from advanced detection methods.
The ASCALS project has investigated a range of adaptive materials, such as liquid crystals, phase-change materials, graphene, electrolyte structures, and controllable meta-surfaces. The initiative aims to discover new materials and techniques for implementing active and adaptive camouflage across visible, infrared, and radar ranges, enhancing the stealth capabilities of military assets.
The first phase of the project was spearheaded by Greece-based Adamant Composites, leading a consortium that includes ten industrial and research entities. This coalition comprises the University of Luxembourg; TNO, MIS7, and Bolidt from the Netherlands; Poland’s Military Institute of Engineer Technology and LUBAWA SA; as well as Portuguese institutions CITEVE, INEGI, and CINAMIL; and the Swedish Defence Research Agency.
The successful conclusion of ASCALS I sets the stage for the subsequent phase, ASCALS II, which aims to further develop the technologies and materials identified in the first stage. Planned field-testing on military platforms is scheduled for 2027, contingent upon agreement from the participating member states. Initial results from the first phase have shown significant promise for ground-based platforms and indicate potential applicability for adaptation in air and maritime platforms as well.
