New work programme under European Defence Fund has been published

The third EDF WP allocates €1.2 bn to support collaborative research and development projects and innovation in EU defence sector.

Newly released work programme consists of 34 topics structured along four thematic calls for proposals, as well as three calls focused on disruptive technologies and SMEs. The Work Programme will support emblematic projects in critical domains, such as space situational awareness, for countering hypersonic missiles and, in the naval domain, the prototype development of the European patrol corvette (EPC). The calls are expected to be opened for submission on 15 June 2023, with a deadline for submission of 22 November 2023.

The calls for proposals will prepare the ground for the development of next generation fighter systems, main battle tanks, strategic air transportation of outsized cargo, as well as dedicated hardware architecture solutions for energy efficient Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems.

Funding dedicated to SMEs and research organisations calls for proposals for non-thematic R&D is increased by 50% compared to 2022 providing stronger support to small- and medium-sized defence companies.

In addition, it also introduces a series of new measures to promote defence innovation under the umbrella of the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). EUDIS stands for a new EU’s 2-billion-euro investment scheme to support innovation and entrepreneurship on critical technologies in the European defence industry. With this scheme, the Commission will support innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, to help them break through traditional entry barriers, bring ideas to the market and make a difference for EU security and defence.

More information can be found at European Defence Fund website.