Are you currently developing new and interesting technologies or products? Then perhaps the European Commission (EC) is looking for your innovation! The EC offers funding via the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2021-2027 for new technologies and products that can be a great asset to the (European) defence industry. The EDF will not only strengthen the industry and strategic autonomy, but will also give you the chance to offer a valuable contribution on a European level and collaborate with other parties! The EDF call of 2024 is open for submissions until 29 October 2024.

European Defence Fund (EDF) Work Programme 2024

The 2024 EDF Work Programme 2024 covers 32 call topics across 6 thematic calls for proposals and 2 non-thematic calls for proposals. Here are some of the specific thematic areas covered by the 2024 calls:

• Advanced Radar Technologies (EDF-2024-RA-SENS-ART)
• Automated Structural Modelling for Effect Prediction (EDF-2024-RA-DIGIT-ASMEP)
• Concept Study on Advanced Air-to-Air Missiles (EDF-2024-RA-AIR-AAM)
• Unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft Systems (EDF-2024-RA-AIR-UCCAS-STEP).

Additionally, there are 2 actions in support of the Alliance for Defence Medical Countermeasures. Specific eligibility constraints apply to testing facilities, but general eligibility conditions are outlined in the EDF Regulation.

For whom is the European Defence Fund?

The EC aims to encourage more SMEs to participate within the programme. The preparatory programme EDIDP was for that reason specifically focused on SMEs. This aim has now also been extended to the new fund by encouraging collaboration between businesses, research institutes and universities. Business no matter their size, from SMEs to midcaps, are invited to participate and collaborate.

There are some requirements in order to participate in a collaborative project:

• Participating organisations have to be located in an EU Member State;
• Participating organisations are owned by members of the EU;
• Project proposals are focused on the needs of the defence industry.

Project requirements

The European Defence Fund encourages cooperation among businesses, research institutions, and governments to develop new defence technologies. Selected projects under the 2022 call for example, included next-generation aircraft fighters, tanks, ships, and space-based early warning systems. Disruptive technologies and promising SMEs are also part of the mix. Success is measured by achieving project objectives, advancing defence capabilities, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Projects should enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and strengthen its defence industrial base.

Budget and grant amount

The EDF has a total budget of nearly € 8 billion for 2021-2027. From this budget € 2.7 billion is allocated for collaborative defence research, and € 5.3 billion is for collaborative capability development projects that complement national contributions. The EDF provides varying funding rates for different types of activities. Research activities can be funded up to 100%, while development activities have different funding rates, complementing Member States’ or industrial investments, ranging from 20% to 80% (from prototyping to certification).

European Defence Fund application support

Do you want to know more about the European Defence Fund? We would be pleased to find out whether your project is a match for the EDF or any other funding programme. You can contact us via info@hezelburcht.com, call to 088 495 20 00 or fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.