European Defence Fund: €1.065 billion allocated to innovation in the defence sector

The European Commission has officially launched the 2025 Work Programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF), allocating €1.065 billion to collaborative research and development (R&D) projects in the defence sector. The programme focuses on advanced technologies, resilience, and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on fostering defence innovation.

The 2025 EDF Programme is part of the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), featuring significant measures to support SMEs and start-ups. Key developments include funding for a technological challenge on artificial intelligence and the launch of calls that promote synergies between defence and civil sectors, such as space, energy, resilience, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, support for small businesses is confirmed through cascade funding and the possibility of supporting Ukrainian entities involved in innovative projects.

In 2025, the programme includes the funding of nine calls, divided into 31 topics, including:

15 research topics to explore new defence technologies;
15 development topics to bring advanced capabilities to market;
1 support topic for the network of EDF National Focal Points (NFP).

Strategic areas receiving funding include land combat, space, aviation, energy resilience, and environmental transition. The initiative also includes 14 topics supporting the “Strategic Technologies for Europe” (STEP) platform, focusing on digital innovations, clean technologies, and biotechnologies.

A significant portion of the budget will be allocated to disruptive technologies, with a specific focus on innovative solutions from SMEs. Projects will also be funded in areas such as cyber-defence, naval combat, underwater warfare, and emerging technologies for simulation and training, as well as solutions for advanced information management and human-AI interaction.

The calls for proposals are open until 16 October 2025.

For further information on the call, please consult the official website of the European Commission or download the attachments below.
To receive free support, you may contact us at een1@confindustria.lombardia.it.