CATHERINA: Redefined Camouflage. Evolved Protection.
As key members of the Holistex Group, IBQ Textiles, Meroltex, and Apreslan demonstrate the value of working together to drive innovation in textile technology. With this collaboration, we are pleased to introduce the CATHERINA project, which stands for Intelligent and Adaptive Thermal Camouflage. Intelligent and Adaptive Thermal CamouflageThis is an ambitious initiative focused on developing advanced textile solutions for defense applications.
Apreslan takes on an important role in this project, bringing technical expertise to improve how textiles perform and adapt in military environments. At the same time, it is important to clarify that IBQ Textiles will remain the main commercial contact for any questions or requests related to the project or its developments.
CATHERINA was one of 54 projects shortlisted for possible European Defense Fund (EDF) funding in 2023, out of a total of 236 proposals. Following this selection, the project has been officially approved and signed, confirming its funding by the European Union. This recognition underscores both the project's innovative approach and its strong alignment with the EDF's objective of strengthening European defense through advanced research and technology.
Being part of the CATHERINA project reinforces the Holistex Group’s commitment to developing better defence solutions through teamwork and innovation. With the combined strengths of the partners involved, the project aims to deliver technologies that will support the future of military equipment and contribute to a stronger and more secure Europe.
About the CATHERINA project
CATHERINA, launched in May 2025, is part of the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2023 initiatives aimed at integrating innovative textile technologies to meet future military needs. The project has an expected duration of 38 months and an estimated budget of almost 4 million euros. It is funded by the European Union and aims to revolutionise military equipment by making it smarter and more adaptable to different environmental conditions.
The CATHERINA project is driven by a diverse and expert consortium. The collaboration includes:
This consortium brings together leading organisations from across Europe, each bringing expertise to increase the innovative potential of the project in textile technology. CATHERINA’s main objective is to integrate optically adaptive camouflage with infrared and thermal detection resistant properties to create a smart textile to protect tomorrow’s soldiers in the theatre of battle.
Each developed feature brings unique capabilities to create a holistic and innovative textile solution towards a multi-level disguise, contributing to the safety of soldiers and equipment of European armed forces.
Wider impact of the European Defence Fund
The European Defence Fund (EDF) plays a key role in strengthening Europe's defence capabilities. In 2023, the EDF has committed to investing in 54 ambitious defence projects, with total funding of €1,031 million, demonstrating a strong focus on collaborative research and development between Member States. CATHERINA is part of this important initiative to boost the technological cutting edge of the European defence industry.
*The EDF-2023-LS-RA-SMERO-NT (CATHERINA) project (SEP- 101168064) is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
