European Defence Fund (EDF)

Increasing defense capabilities through collaborative innovation

The European Defence Fund (EDF) promotes the competitiveness, efficiency, and innovation capacity of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). The fund contributes to the EU’s strategic autonomy and freedom of action by:

  • supporting collaborative actions and cross-border cooperation between parties across the EU, especially SMEs and mid-caps
  • strengthening and improving the flexibility of both defence equipment suppliers and customers
  • broadening cross-border cooperation between parties
  • promoting better exploitation of the industrial potential of innovation, research and technological development, at any stage of the industrial life cycle of defense products and technologies.

A total of 15 action categories have been identified:

  • Medical response & CBRN
  • Information superiority
  • Sensors
  • Cyber
  • Space
  • Digital transformation
  • Energy resilience & environment transition
  • Materials and components
  • Air combat
  • Air and missile defence
  • Ground combat
  • Force protection and mobility
  • Naval combat
  • Underwater warfare
  • Simulation and training.

Disruptive technologies and Innovative defence technologies (SMEs) are horizontal categories.

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EDF in short

Intended audience Intended audience

Companies (including SMEs) and research organizations with a geographic origin in the EU.

Type of funding Type of funding

Public funding.

Total budget Total budget

8 billion euros for 2021-2027 period, of which 2.7 billion euro for defence research and 5.3 billion euros for capability development projects.

European Defence Fund themes

There are two main grant categories within the EDF:

  • Funding rate is 100%

  • EU baseline funding rate between 20% and 90%; EU maximum funding rate (bonus, for example because of participation in the project by an SME) can be as high as 100%.

Is your project eligible for funding?

To be eligible for EDF, at least the following conditions apply:

  • there must be a consortium consisting of at least three eligible entities who are established in at least three different EU member states/Norway
  • an action must correspond to the topic against which it is submitted, address new defence products or technologies or upgrade of existing ones, and cover mandatory activities as indicated in the calls.

25+
European Defense Fund proposals supported

50%
overall success rate

10
high-impact clients supported yearly

How can PNO Innovation help you with your European Defense Fund application?

Our experts can discuss your project with you and see if it meets EDF guidelines. We can also help you find partners for your consortium, and offer unique support with proprietary AI-based data tools.

A few of our European Defense Fund experts

Start your European Defence Fund application

Let us guide you through the complex EDF application procedures. Please fill out the form below so we can help you set up your application efficiently.

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