European Defence Fund (EDF)
The EU's main defence R&D funding programme. The PDF material references a 2026 work programme of roughly EUR 1 billion across 31 topics and Ukraine's association to EDF.
Calls (38)
Quantum secured tactical networks
Quantum secured tactical networks
CBRN decontamination systems and technologies
CBRN decontamination systems and technologies
Development and validation of models predicting flow-related underwater noise
Development and validation of models predicting flow-related underwater noise
Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test
Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test
Multiple rocket launcher
Multiple rocket launcher
Secure digital military mobility system
Secure digital military mobility system
Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems
Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems
Enhanced medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessels
Enhanced medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessels
High-performance energy systems
High-performance energy systems
Smart and multifunctional textiles
Smart and multifunctional textiles
Integration of Galileo PRS receivers on weapon systems and NAVWAR operational centres in military C2
Integration of Galileo PRS receivers on weapon systems and NAVWAR operational centres in military C2
Ammunition Waste Collection and Disposal Unmanned Platform
Ammunition Waste Collection and Disposal Unmanned Platform
Self-protection systems
Self-protection systems
Autonomous and automatic air-to-air refuelling
Autonomous and automatic air-to-air refuelling
Military multi-domain operations cloud services
Military multi-domain operations cloud services
Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis
Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis
Future multirole light aircraft
Future multirole light aircraft
New turbofan engine
New turbofan engine
Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection
Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection
Non-thematic actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
Non-thematic actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
New abilities in over-the-horizon sensing
New abilities in over-the-horizon sensing
Non-thematic development actions by SMEs
Non-thematic development actions by SMEs
High-end endo-atmospheric interception
High-end endo-atmospheric interception
Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones – organisation of a technological challenge"
AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones – organisation of a technological challenge"
AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones – participation in a technological challenge"
AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones – participation in a technological challenge"
Modellering & simulering stödde AI-ramverk för militärt beslutsfattande och träning
Tillämpningsområde: Syftet med detta ämne är att bedöma möjligheten att skapa en AI-ram för försvarstillämpningar som en språngbräda för att utveckla framtida koncept för taktisk intelligens genom att tillhandahålla militär simuleringskapacitet, historiska dataset, en omfattande databas med scenarion och riktmärken, tillgång till doktrinära modeller och utdata från tidigare utvecklade AI-tjänster. Detta skulle också möjliggöra en gemensam simuleringsram för krigsspel/stridssimuleringar med potential att på liknande sätt underlätta förbättrat lärandestöd vid uppdragsplanering och utförande, bland annat genom AI-aktiverad stridsrymdssimulering. Utöver försvarsteknik bidrar detta ämne också till STEP-målen enligt STEP-förordningen inom målinvesteringsområdet djup och digital teknik. Målinriktade typer av verksamheter: Studier och utformning, med undantag för verksamheter uppströms och nedströms som kan komma i fråga för forskningsåtgärder. Preliminär budget: 16 000 000 euro för detta ämne inom ramen för ansökningsomgången för EDF-2026-RA. EU:s ekonomiska bidrag per förslag: Den begärda finansieringen får inte överstiga 8 000 000 euro. Preliminärt antal förslag som ska finansieras: Flera förslag kan komma att finansieras för detta ämne.
EDF 2026 — Enhanced Cognitive Electronic Warfare
Development of enhanced cognitive electronic warfare systems.
EDF 2026 — AI-based Tactical Situational Awareness
Development of AI-based tactical situational awareness systems for multi-domain operations.
Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis
Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis
EDF 2026 — Non-thematic Development for SMEs
Non-thematic development programme for SMEs in the defence sector.
EDF 2026 — Research for SMEs and Research Organisations
Research funding specifically for SMEs and research organisations in defence.
EDF 2026 — Quantum Secured Networks
Development of quantum-secured communication networks for military applications.
EDF 2026 — Medium-size Semi-autonomous Surface Vessel
Development of medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessel for naval combat.
EDF 2026 — PRS Receivers / NAVWAR
Development of PRS receivers and navigation warfare systems.
EDF 2026 — Endo-atmospheric Interceptor
Development of endo-atmospheric interceptor for air and missile defence.
EDF 2026 — Main Battle Tank
Development programme for next-generation main battle tank.
EDF 2026 — Multiple Rocket Launcher System
Development of a multiple rocket launcher system for EU armed forces.