See all
No search result found
It looks like we couldn't find any results for your search.
Helpful links
Get our Help to Secure Grant from
European Defence Fund
Position your organisation at the heart of Europe’s next-generation defence capabilities
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the EU’s flagship instrument for collaborative defence research and capability development. It co-finances cross-border projects that deliver interoperable, high-impact defence technologies while strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB).
With a budget of nearly €7.3 billion for 2021–2027, EDF supports the full defence R&D cycle – from early-stage research through to large-scale system demonstrators – and has become the central reference point for European collaborative defence projects.
Typical applicants are:
* Defence primes and system integrators
* Mid-caps and high-growth SMEs, including dual-use deep-tech companies
* Research and technology organisations (RTOs) and universities
* Specialist suppliers contributing critical components, software or services.
What Does EDF Fund?
EDF annual work programmes are built around competitive calls for proposals that cover all defence domains – land, air, naval, cyber, space and joint enabling capabilities. Typical strands include:
Collaborative Defence Research
* Early-stage and applied research on future defence concepts, systems and materials
* Studies, modelling, simulation, wargaming and experiments
* Technology maturation from low to mid Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
Capability Development and Prototyping
* System and subsystem design, integration and architecture
* Prototyping, testing, qualification and certification
* Large-scale demonstrators in realistic operational environments.
Defence Innovation and Disruptive Technologies (EUDIS and non-thematic calls)
* High-risk, high-impact innovation actions targeting emerging and disruptive technologies
* SME-focused and non-thematic calls to bring in new entrants and dual-use innovators
* Spin-in actions that adapt civilian EU R&I results to defence needs.
Funding Model (high-level)
* Research actions (Up to 100% of eligible costs covered by the EU grant)
* Development actions (Up to 80% EU co-funding, complemented by national contributions, with potential bonuses for SME and mid-cap participation, Cross-border supply chains and PESCO-linked projects.
Who Can Apply for EDF?
EDF is a security-sensitive, collaborative programme with strict eligibility eligibility rules. Projects must be implemented by consortia of at least three independent entities from three different EU Member States or associated countries (e.g. Norway), although smaller consortia may be allowed in certain disruptive technology actions.
All beneficiaries and key subcontractors must be established in the EU or associated countries, with executive management and decision-making located there. Entities controlled by non-associated third countries are subject to strict security conditions.
Why EDF Matters for Leading Defence and Dual-Use Actors
For ambitious organisations, EDF offers:
Scale: Multi-annual, multi-billion-euro funding dedicated specifically to European defence research, development and capability projects.
Strategic positioning: Alignment with the EU Capability Development Priorities (CDP), CSDP and, where relevant, NATO capability planning – anchoring your solutions in future European force structures.
Industrial leverage: A framework to build enduring European value chains, strengthen the EDTIB and secure long-term production and upgrade pathways.
Innovation pull: Dedicated mechanisms (EUDIS, FSTP) to bring in cutting-edge SMEs, mid-caps and start-ups and connect them with primes and system integrators.