The 2026 call for proposals has been open since February
As part of the 2026 work programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EU is once again making a budget of approximately € 1 billion available for collaborative research and development projects in the defence sector. The aim of the EDF is to strengthen European defence capabilities, drive technological innovation, and sustainably enhance industrial competitiveness within the EU.
Since the programme was launched in 2021, the European Commission has already invested several billion euros in research and development (R&D) in the defence sector. The EDF has thus established itself as a central European funding mechanism for defence-related innovation and has made a significant contribution to the development of new technologies and capabilities in Europe.
Which projects are eligible for funding?
Funding under the programme focuses on key capability and technology areas of high strategic relevance for European defence. These include, in particular, communication and information systems, cyber resilience, digital transformation, as well as capabilities across the operational domains of air, land, sea and space.
In addition, key technologies along the entire defence-related value chain are addressed, including sensor systems, unmanned systems, advanced materials, and energy- and logistics-related technologies. The focus is on innovative solutions with clear dual-use and scaling potential for the European security and defence architecture.
Act quickly: the 2026 call for proposals is already underway
The EU launched this year’s EDF call for proposals on 11 February 2026. The deadline for submitting project proposals is 29 September 2026. Applications may be submitted by companies, research institutions and universities. As a rule, this requires an international consortium consisting of at least three independent organisations from three EU Member States or associated countries.
Actors in the defence or dual-use sector who wish to submit a project proposal this year should begin preparations promptly. Developing a strong project proposal is complex and requires both the coordination of a suitable consortium and the fulfilment of demanding technical and security-related requirements, as well as a structured application process.
Background on the European Defence Fund
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the European Commission’s central funding instrument for supporting collaborative research and development activities in the defence sector. It complements national programmes by specifically promoting cross-border cooperation between industry and research.
For the period 2021–2027, the fund is equipped with a total budget of approximately € 8 billion and is based on two central pillars:
- Funding of collaborative defence research to address new security challenges
- Co-financing of development projects to strengthen European defence capabilities
In addition, the EDF supports strategic technology developments with disruptive potential and contributes to strengthening the industrial base of European defence.
With the 2026 work programme, European defence cooperation will be further intensified. The fund specifically promotes innovation, interoperability and technological sovereignty, thereby making an important contribution to strengthening Europe’s security and defence capabilities in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Get EDF support from FirstBlue
The time remaining until the submission deadline is limited. If you still wish to submit an EDF application in 2026, you should act now. FirstBlue supports you quickly and in a structured manner in setting up your project to be consortium-ready and in significantly increasing your chances of success.
