The European Commission has allocated over 1 billion euros ($1.02 billion) for collaborative defense research and development under the European Defence Fund (EDF).
The initiative focuses on supporting emerging industries in developing ground combat and force protection capabilities.
The EDF program promotes nine competitive calls for proposals, covering 31 topics, including funds for human-AI interaction tools, chipsets for defense applications, and deep-sea technology.
A budget of around 100 million euros ($102 million) covers critical areas such as ground combat, space, air and naval combat, as well as energy resilience and environmental transition.
Additionally, over 40 million euros ($40.9 million) in EU funding is dedicated to research and development in cybersecurity, naval combat, and underwater warfare.
Calls for proposals will open in mid-February, with submissions due by October 16.
“A functioning European defense market strengthens Europe’s security and preparedness,” said Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy.
“The European Defence Fund is vital to our pursuit of tech sovereignty in the field of defense.”
European Defence Fund
The EDF is the European Commission’s tool for supporting collaborative defense research and development.
With the recent initiative, the Commission has allocated 5.4 billion euros ($5.8 billion) since the EDF took effect in May 2021.
An overall budget of approximately 7.3 billion euros ($7.9 billion) will cover the EDF until 2027.
The EDF prioritizes initiatives that enhance interoperability and advanced defense technologies and equipment, encouraging cross-border projects by start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
While it does not replace national efforts, it encourages cooperation among companies of all sizes and research organizations across EU members and Norway.
Additionally, Ukrainian entities can apply for acceleration support as third-party participants for the first time this year.
