The EDF has published its 2025 Work Programme, which includes 9 calls with a total budget of €1.065 billion. The goal is to foster innovation and strengthen Europe's defence landscape through collaborative research and development projects, divided mainly into Research Actions and Development Actions.
The key areas and highest-budget topics
- Ground Combat – €192 million: Technologies for countering grenade impacts; Future modular multipurpose land platforms and technologies, including green technologies; Cooperative land combat, including air-land; Drone-based affordable mass ammunition.
- Space – €115 million: On-orbit operations and services; Space-based ISR constellation.
- Air Combat – €103 million: Collaborative air combat; Enhanced pilot environment.
- Energy Resilience & Environmental Transition – €93 million: Propulsion system for next-generation rotorcraft; Hybrid propulsion and power systems for the Navy; Aircraft propulsion and energy management systems.
Consortia must be composed of at least three independent companies or research institutions located in three different EU Member States.
For disruptive technologies, smaller consortia are allowed with at least two participants from two different EU Member States.
The funding ranges from 20% to 100% of eligible costs, depending on the type of activity.
Additional bonuses are available for SMEs or mid-cap company participation.
Project duration: Minimum 12 months – Maximum 48 months.
Deadline: 16/10/2025
