KIOS at the BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026: A Dynamic Presence at Cyprus’ Largest Defense and Security Conference

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus participated in BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026, the largest defense and security conference and exhibition in Cyprus, held on 26–27 February 2026, in Nicosia.

During the conference, KIOS research team took part in thematic discussions, exchanging views with leading experts from the sector and exploring opportunities for collaboration at both national and international levels. On behalf of the Center, the Research Lecturer Dr. Christos Laoudias, presented the role that universities play in the fields of defense, security, and dual-use technologies, highlighting the contribution of research and innovation in strengthening operational readiness and technological autonomy.

As part of the exhibition held alongside the conference, the Center presented its research and development activities in national and European projects related to critical infrastructure monitoring, the use of unmanned systems, real-time data analysis, and infrastructure resilience. The THISEAS project was presented, which was funded by the Ministry of Defence of Cyprus through the “ATHENA” initiative, as well as the projects ACTING, CITADEL Range, VICTORIOUS, and PLEIADES, which are funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF) and focus on the development of advanced technologies to enhance the operational capability of the National Guard, cybersecurity training, and support for operations on land and at sea.

In the outdoor area of the Conference, the Center demonstrated technological systems based on unmanned vehicles (drones). These systems support applications such as surveillance, mapping, early incident detection, and operational data collection. The solutions integrate advanced artificial intelligence algorithms and decision-support systems, enhancing situational awareness in demanding environments.

The participation of the KIOS Center of Excellence in BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026 provided an important opportunity for networking and strengthening strategic collaborations, further contributing to the development of a modern, resilient, and technologically advanced defense and security ecosystem in Cyprus and across Europe.