EDF 2025 - European Defence Fund

EDF 2025 – European Defence Fund

Call Info

Eligible Beneficiaries: SMEs, Large Enterprises, Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs), Public Entities
Total Budget: 1.1 B€
Deadline: 16/10/2025

The European Defence Fund (EDF) provides funding opportunities to boost innovation in the defence sector. There are 31 topics open for applications, distributed across 9 calls, with a total budget of €1.1 billion!

What is the European Defence Fund (EDF)?

The EDF is a financial instrument established by the European Commission to promote research and capability development in the field of defence. It supports collaborative projects among EU Member States, companies, universities, and research centres, with the goal of increasing the EU’s strategic autonomy and modernising its armed forces.

Through this fund, organisations can receive substantial support to develop cutting-edge technologies—from advanced weapons systems to cybersecurity and space-based solutions.

**Who Can Apply for EDF 2025 Calls?**

Applications are open to a wide range of entities engaged in defence research and technological development. Eligible applicants include:

Public and private research organisations: universidades, centros tecnológicos, institutos de investigação.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): companies offering innovative or disruptive technology solutions.
Large enterprises and industry players: entities that lead or participate in consortia with SMEs or research institutions.
Public authorities: defence ministries, government agencies, and other bodies involved in national security.
Transnational consortia: partnerships between organisations from different EU countries are strongly encouraged.

Key Funding Areas in EDF 2025

The 2025 calls address several strategic areas considered vital for the future of European defence. Key areas of focus include:

Cyber Defence and Digital Resilience: Projects aimed at improving cybersecurity operations and developing optronic sensor technologies are prioritised. These initiatives seek to enhance the protection of military systems against growing digital threats.

Space-Based Defence Technologies: Includes calls for the development of satellite constellations for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), on-orbit operations, and advanced space applications.

Advanced Air Combat Systems: Focuses on the development of collaborative air combat systems, enhanced pilot environments, and next-generation aircraft demonstrators.

Autonomous Systems and Platforms: From modular multifunctional land platforms to autonomous medical evacuation systems, these technologies aim to reduce human involvement and improve operational efficiency.

Naval Defence Technologies: Calls support the development of hybrid naval propulsion systems, advanced underwater networks, and digital naval combat solutions tailored to the modern maritime environment.

Training and Simulation Systems: Includes projects that foster interoperability in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training environments, enhancing the preparedness of EU armed forces.

EDF 2025 Open Calls

Development actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2025-DA) – 547,5 M€ [Call]
Research actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2025-RA) – 182 M€ [Call]
Spin-in EDF development actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2025-DA-SI) – 98 M€ [Call]
Research actions in the form of a technological challenge implemented via lump sum grants (EDF-2025-LS-RA-CHALLENGE) – 27 M€ [Call]
Research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence (EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS) – 43 M€ [Call]
Spin-in EDF research actions implemented via lump sum grants (EDF-2025-LS-RA-SI) – 40 M€ [Call]
Call for proposals for coordination and support action to the National Focal Points (NFP) network (EDF-2025-CSA) – 2 M€ [Call]
Non-thematic development actions by SMEs (EDF-2025-LS-DA-SME) – 33 M€ [Call]
Research actions focused on SMEs and research organisations implemented via lump sum grants (EDF-2025-LS-RA-SMERO) – 34 M€ [Call]

How to Apply?

The application process for EDF 2025 follows a structured procedure:

Check your organisation’s eligibility and review the specific criteria for each topic.
Prepare a detailed technical proposal outlining project objectives, expected outcomes, and strategic impact.
Submit your application via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
Await the evaluation, which will be conducted by the European Commission based on scientific excellence, strategic relevance, and implementation capacity.

It is essential to carefully follow the technical and administrative guidelines for each call.

Opportunities for Innovation in European Defence

The EDF 2025 programme represents a unique opportunity for European institutions to develop innovative defence technologies. With 31 open topics spanning cybersecurity, autonomous systems, space technologies, and military training, the fund supports cooperation, capability development, and the EU’s technological sovereignty.

If you aim to contribute to the future of European defence, explore the available calls, build strategic partnerships, and submit your proposal.

INOVA+ has a dedicated team ready to support interested entities throughout the application process, ensuring compliance with programme requirements for a successful submission. Sprechen Sie uns an!