With Mesh Structures at the Auxdefense
From July 1st to 3rd, the 5th AuxDefense Conference was held on the island of Madeira, focusing on material innovations for the defence and security sector. As modern conflict scenarios continue to evolve and technological advancements accelerate, the development of innovative protection systems has become increasingly important.
Dr. Thomas Mutschler (IFKT Global) and Marc Küperkoch (IFKT Germany) presented a technical paper entitled “Mesh Structures for Military and Civil Purpose.” The presentation began by highlighting the dual-use potential of advanced mesh technologies, demonstrating their applicability in both military and civilian environments.
The speakers then explained how simple net structures can be transformed into multifunctional protection systems through the combination of different manufacturing technologies. By integrating additional properties and functionalities, these systems can provide far more than conventional counter-drone protection. Depending on the application, they can detect threats, support electronic disruption, imitate signatures, or carry mission-critical equipment and supplies.
Another key aspect of the presentation addressed the sustainability of future protection systems. In response to growing concerns regarding resource availability and environmental responsibility, the speakers introduced the development of mesh manufactured from natural fibres. This approach offers both ecological and economic advantages while maintaining the performance required for demanding defence and security applications.
The practical relevance of the presented concepts, combined with their clear implementation potential, generated considerable interest among conference participants. The presentation was followed by numerous technical discussions and provided an excellent opportunity to establish new professional contacts and explore future collaborations.
