The €1.065 billion allocated for the 2025 call has attracted both established defence industry players and emerging innovators, all aiming to advance next-generation defence technologies. According to the European Commission, “the proposals received showcase strong industrial engagement and technological maturity across all EDF priorities.”
Key areas of focus among the submitted projects include the development of next-generation military radars and sensors to improve air defence and counter-drone operations. Several initiatives in the digital domain aim to explore advanced human-AI dialogue systems for intelligence gathering, operational planning, and tactical decision-making.
Naval technologies are also prominent, with proposals addressing underwater warfare capabilities and the creation of a multi-domain combat cloud to support secure data sharing across platforms. At the ground level, new systems aim to integrate soldiers into digital battlefields while reducing physical and cognitive burden.
In the space domain, the EDF 2025 call supports the deployment of a small satellite constellation to deliver real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The initiative is designed to be cost-effective while enhancing operational awareness.
The 2025 call also includes more than €336 million under the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups developing breakthrough technologies. “To stimulate disruptive innovation and attract new market entrants,” the Commission noted, “dedicated funding under EUDIS will support SMEs and start-ups in developing, prototyping, and testing breakthrough defence technologies.”
All proposals will now undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including reviews of admissibility, eligibility, scientific excellence, award criteria, and ethics, with results expected in April 2026. The evaluation will be conducted by the European Commission with the support of independent experts.
The EDF aims to support collaborative and competitive defence projects across Member States, focusing on interoperability, innovation, and alignment with EU defence priorities. With nearly €7.3 billion available between 2021 and 2027, the Fund is a core component of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and is directly managed by the European Commission.
Source: European Commission (DG DEFIS).
