Dr. Loizos Christofi: Cyprus position itself as a key player in regional and global security

eBOS Technologies Ltd designs and develops advanced defence solutions, such as the DefenceBOS Unified Military Platform for AI-driven operations, the HERMES Data Exchange Platform for secure data sharing, and innovations that enhance military capabilities and cybersecurity.

The company has also developed an AI-based drone, which can be used for conducting Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance missions, as well as a 5G communications module carrier or a loitering munition drone.

Dr. Loizos Christofi, R&D Director, eBOS Technologies Ltd, recently spoke to GOLD magazine about the company's work.

Our part of the world has long been defined by conflict and uncertainty. Why do you believe that it has now become important for Cyprus to invest in the defence sector?

Investing in the defence sector is critical for Cyprus due to its strategic location in the geopolitically unstable Eastern Mediterranean. Heightened regional tensions, emerging threats like cybersecurity and hybrid warfare, and the need to protect offshore natural gas reserves in its Exclusive Economic Zone make a robust defence capability essential.

Strengthening defence also enhances Cyprus' role in international alliances, reduces its dependence on foreign powers and drives technological innovation and economic growth. By prioritising defence now, Cyprus can safeguard its sovereignty, secure its resources and position itself as a key player in regional and global security.

While European defence R&D spending increased significantly – it reached €11 billion in 2023, more than double the amount spent in 2016 – the US and China still outspend the EU. How does this disparity impact your ability to innovate and compete on a global scale? Are there any other structural issues on a European level that need to be addressed?

The EU's defence R&D spending gap with the US and China limits innovation and competitiveness, as both countries excel in key emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, hypersonics and cybersecurity. Europe's fragmented efforts, driven by overregulation and national priorities, hinder collaboration and create dependencies on non-European companies.

To address this, Europe should strengthen mechanisms like the EDF, establish unified defence procurement, increase R&D defence budgets (especially for AI and the previously mentioned key emerging technologies), promote collaboration between defence agencies, academia and industry, and invest in STEM education to build a skilled, innovative workforce.

On a local level, does the relatively small size of Cyprus' defence cluster present challenges in competing with larger ecosystems or are there unique strengths you can leverage?

The relatively small size of Cyprus' defence cluster does present challenges in competing with larger ecosystems, particularly in terms of scale of collaboration, limited resources and global visibility.

However, there are unique strengths that Cyprus can leverage to turn these challenges into opportunities, such as flexibility and specialisation, leverage its strategic location to become a regional hub for defence operations and innovation, benefiting from access to defence initiatives such as EDF and PESCO, positioning itself as a partner of choice for larger ecosystems and boasting a highly educated workforce particularly in the STEM fields, which can be mobilised to focus on cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML and advanced 5G/6G communications.

Cyprus is strengthening its defence ties with nations like the US and France and aims to allocate 2% of its GDP to defence spending. Has this impacted your work? How can Cyprus become a key player in Europe’s defence ecosystem?

Stronger ties with the US and France, along with Cyprus' commitment to allocating 2% of GDP to defence, signal a serious investment in national security and innovation. This enhances R&D funding opportunities and strengthens Cyprus’ defence capabilities, enabling collaborations with the US and European partners on cutting-edge projects, including those involving eBOS.

However, strategic investments in R&D, talent and EU collaboration remain critical. By prioritising innovation, regional leadership and dual-use technologies, Cyprus can solidify its position as a key player in Europe’s defence ecosystem and ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness.

Finally, as drones, robotics and AI take centre stage in the theatre of modern warfare, what do you see as the next defining innovation?

The next defining innovation will likely emerge from the convergence of several advanced emerging technologies, each with transformative potential. Key areas include, for example, (1) quantum computing and quantum communications to create unhackable secure communication networks, (2) autonomous swarm systems that can conduct reconnaissance and execute precision strikes with minimal human intervention and less collateral damage, (3) Digital Twin technologies that will allow real-time simulation and analysis of battlefield scenarios, enabling precise decision-making, (4) Directed Energy Weapons that provide cost-effective, scalable solutions for missile defence and counter-drone operations, (5) AI-driven cyber tools that will enable predictive threat detection and (6) cyber weapons that can disrupt or neutralise adversary critical infrastructure, hypersonic space-based missile systems and human enhancement through synthetic and neurotechnology that could enhance soldier performance.

COLLABORATIONS

Over the last 18 years, eBOS has participated in over 70 EU-funded R&D projects under FP7, Horizon2020, Horizon Europe, EDIDP and EDF, collaborating with over 4,000 research, academic and industrial partners across Europe. These efforts focus on advancing technologies like software, AI/ML, 5G/6G communications and cybersecurity, while addressing global challenges and supporting European defence innovation. eBOS is currently involved in two newly funded EDF projects: RAPTOR (predictive firearms maintenance) and 5G-MILNET (rapid deployment of secure 5G battlefield communications for armed forces).

This interview first appeared in the February edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.