€1.065 Billion Boost for
European Defence Innovation
To safeguard peace and continue supporting Ukraine, Europe must reinforce its defence capabilities to take full responsibility for its own security and deterrence. Consequently, the European Defence Fund (EDF) ensures funding to support security and defence measures all over Europe, aligning with the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in particular the Capability Development Plan (CDP), and NATO regulations and priorities where relevant.
The programme aims to enhance cross-border research and development, i.e. build partnerships among EU members, maximize defence spending in the EU, foster competitiveness, innovation and disruptive technologies within the field, and ultimately bolster Europe's resilience.
Get Funding for Innovative Defence Solutions
The European Commission has adopted the 2025 Work Programme for the European Defence Fund (EDF), dedicating €1.065 billion to support 33 call topics across 7 thematic and 2 non-thematic areas, along with actions for defence medical countermeasures. This initiative aims to advance critical defence technologies across all military domains—land, air, sea, space, and cyber—aligned with EU capability priorities.
The programme also features targeted support for SMEs and mid-caps through the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), reinforcing Europe's industrial competitiveness and promoting interoperability.
The EDF includes the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) as an instrument to enhance inclusive innovation in this field for SMEs, startups and non-traditional players in the defence industry. €225 billion is allocated to this instrument.
The 33 categories include themes like;* Land-based military capabilities
* Space Technologies
* Aerial combat technologies
* Energy efficient solutions for military camp
* Cybersecurity
* Maritime defence capabilities
* Quantum technologies
Two of the calls are non-thematic actions by SMEs and research organisations:
* "Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations"
* "Non-thematic development actions by SMEs"
Read about all the different calls here
Who Can Apply?
* A consortium of minimum 3 member countries (or Norway)
* Beneficiaries and subcontractors are required to be located within the EU
* They must not be controlled by a non-associated third country, although exceptions may be granted with approved guarantees.
Deadline
16 October 2025
