Complementing and amplifying Member States’ efforts, the Fund promotes cooperation among companies and research actors of all sizes and geographic origin in the Union, in research and development of state-of-the-art and interoperable defence technology and equipment. The Fund supports competitive and collaborative projects throughout the entire cycle of research and development for a bigger impact on the European defence capability and industrial landscape.
It strongly encourages participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative projects and fosters breakthrough innovative solutions.
The EDF was preceded by two test programmes with limited duration and budget – the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) and the European Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP).
Discover the EDF by watching the video (EN/DE/FR)
EDF Budget
A budget of close to €8 billion for 2021-2027 is dedicated to the European Defence Fund. €2.7 billion to fund collaborative defence research and €5.3 billion euros to fund collaborative capability development projects complementing national contributions.
For info on how to become active, read how to get started with EDF.
NCP Flanders has extended the duration of its short satisfaction survey to gather valuable feedback and suggestions on the NCP services. The survey is fully anonymous and is open until 9 October 2026. It is organised into three sections: NCP Flanders assistance, info sessions, and NCP Flanders website & LinkedIn. If you are not...
Read moreBraveTech EU has opened applications for DefTech Forges, a series of in-person defence technology competitions for EU, Norwegian and Ukrainian startups and SMEs with TRL 4+ solutions. The programme offers six grants of €120,000 and a possible route to further testing with the European Defence Agency and up to €750,000 in follow-on funding. Applications are open until 6 September 2026.
Read moreA new EDIP call for Industry Reinforcement Actions is open under the Ukraine Support Instrument. Proposals are due by 13 October 2026. The topic focuses on missiles, ammunition and bombs, and consortia must include at least one legal entity established in Ukraine.
Read moreDevelopment actions implemented via lump sum grants targeting disruptive technologies for defence EDF-2026-LS-DA-DIS-OTHR European Defence Fund (EDF) 10 August 2026 On 13 July 2026, the European Union and Ukraine signed the Association Agreement on the participation of Ukraine in the European Defence Fund (EDF). This Association Agreement will...
Read moreAttendees can expect to gain insights into regulations and best practices on dual-use goods relevant to their sectors. Two online sessions of this basic training on dual-use goods are planned on 26 February and 12 November 2026 from 9:30 to 11:45. One physical session is planned on 10 June in the offices of the Strategic Goods Control Unit...
Read moreThis business mission is organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation for EU companies and clusters active in the space sector. It is designed to help participants present their expertise at the International Space Industry Exhibition (ISIEX), meet potential Japanese partners and clients, and learn more about the Japanese space market. The mission focuses in particular on downstream space applications and related technologies.
Read moreThis business mission is designed for EU companies and clusters active in defence and dual-use technologies that are looking at opportunities in Japan. Selected participants can exhibit at the EU-Japan Centre booth during DSEI Japan 2027 and join networking and pitching activities with Japanese government and industry representatives.
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+32 2 432 43 05
Contact details on the site of FOD economy
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide support, guidance, and practical information to potential applicants, helping them navigate funding opportunities and application processes.
The National Focal Point (NFP) members represent their country in decision-making about the work programmes, evaluate implementation, and provide strategic input on priorities and calls.
Infosheets contain edited content on aspects related to this programme. They are reviewed at least yearly.
Testimonial
The ROOT project obtained funding under Horizon 2020 topic ‘EGNSS applications fostering societal resilience and protecting the environment’. The project, which ran from November 2020 to July 2022, aimed to demonstrate the benefit of Galileo OSNMA signal to increase the robustness of critical telecom infrastructures.
The Flanders-based company Septentrio contributed substantially to completing this objective together with the other ROOT partners. The results of the project partially close a gap in the security of telecommunication networks dependent on satellite-derived time, with indirect benefits in curbing illegal attempts to disrupt network services.
