European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026

The European Defence Fund (EDF) supports collaborative defence research and development projects carried out by consortia from EU Member States and associated countries.
Funding is provided for projects that strengthen European defence capabilities, enhance innovation, improve technological sovereignty, and increase the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).
The programme supports activities ranging from research and technology development to system prototyping, testing, validation, and capability development.

The 2026 work programme covers strategic defence areas including:

Artificial intelligence and digital transformation,
Cybersecurity,
Space technologies,
Air combat and missile defence,
Naval and underwater systems,
Energy resilience and environmental transition,
Advanced materials and components,
Disruptive defence technologies.

Examples: developing AI-supported military decision-making systems, autonomous drone and robot swarms, secure military cloud services, advanced radar and sensing technologies, critical seabed infrastructure protection systems, or next-generation defence energy solution

Open till 2026-10-31

Deadline Calls are expected to close in September – October 2026 depending on the topic. Some calls will close in February 2027
Category Defence | Research & Development | Innovation | Security | Digital Technologies | Aerospace | Advanced Manufacturing | AI | Cybersecurity
Funding Grant funding through competitive calls for proposals under direct and indirect management. Both actual-cost and lump-sum grants are used depending on the call
Max grant amount Varies by topic. Individual proposal ceilings range from approximately €4.6 million to €15 million, while some topics have total budgets up to €68 million
Company size SME | Large companies
Location Entities established in EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries (currently including Norway) that meet EDF eligibility requirements
Duration Typically 12–36 months for smaller projects; larger development projects may run longer depending on scope

Purpose

– Strengthen the competitiveness, efficiency and innovation capacity of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).
– Support collaborative defence research and development projects involving organisations from different European countries.
– Reduce fragmentation in the European defence innovation ecosystem and promote cross-border cooperation.
– Enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty in critical defence capabilities.
– Accelerate the development of strategic and emerging defence technologies contributing to the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

Potential applicants

– Companies, SMEs, mid-caps, research organisations, universities and technology centres established in EU Member States or EDF Associated Countries.
– Consortia typically consisting of multiple independent entities from different eligible countries.
– Organisations active in defence, security, research, advanced technologies, manufacturing, digital technologies, aerospace, cyber, AI, space and related sectors.
– SMEs may apply through dedicated SME-focused EDF calls.

Funding

– Funding is provided through grants for collaborative defence research and development projects.
– Supported activities include research, studies, design, technology development, prototyping, testing, qualification, certification and validation.
– Funding amounts vary by topic, with project budgets ranging from several million euros to tens of millions of euros.
– Calls are published annually and managed by the European Commission and entrusted entities such as the European Defence Agency.

Intensity

– Research Actions may receive funding of up to 100% of eligible costs.
– Development Actions are co-financed according to EDF funding rules and the type of activity supported.
– The funding intensity depends on the specific call topic, project scope and consortium composition.
– Additional funding bonuses may be available for SMEs, mid-caps and certain collaborative defence initiatives.

Technologies

– AI, machine learning and data analytics
– Robotics, drones and autonomous systems
– Cybersecurity and secure communications
– Space, quantum and defence technologies
– Advanced sensors, materials, energy and naval systems
– Projects must contribute to European defence capabilities and technological innovation.

Eligibility

– Companies, SMEs, mid-caps, research organisations and universities established in eligible EDF countries.
– Most calls require a consortium of independent entities from multiple participating countries.
– Projects must address the objectives and requirements of the selected call topic.
– Security-sensitive topics may require facility and personnel security clearances.

Additional information

– Supports projects in 16 defence technology areas, including AI, cyber, space, energy, air and naval systems.
– Contributes to the EU Defence Industrial Strategy and the STEP initiative.

– Includes dedicated support for SMEs through coaching and networking opportunities.
– Funds innovative defence technologies that strengthen European defence capabilities and strategic autonomy.