Defence industry

We unfortunately live in a time when investing in our Defence industry has become necessary. Innovative technologies, products and services are indispensable to the security and safety of EU citizens. In order to strengthen the defence landscape, SMEs, large enterprises, governments and knowledge institutes are called upon to develop and share their innovations with the rest of Europe. There are several grants that provide additional funding to projects ranging from defence platforms and systems to cybersecurity and disruptive technologies.

Projects that are relevant to the industry

NATO, the EU and individual EU member states are going to invest defence. The main themes are:

1. Ammunition and weapon systems;
2. Cybersecurity;
3. Autonomous systems and drones;
4. AI applications for e.g. efficiency and response time;
5. Communication systems and information exchange;
6. Space and satellite systems;
7. Quantum technologies;
8. Energy and sustainability;
9. Protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats with, for example, improved detection systems, protective equipment and sensors;
10. Transport and infrastructure;
11. Dual-use technologies: many technologies are dual-use. This means they can be used both civilian and for defence. Examples include sensors, medical technologies, medicines, stronger & lighter materials, mobile batteries, energy production or communication systems.

EU grant opportunities for the Defence industry

There are several interesting grant opportunities for innovation projects regarding (digital) security and safety, especially on a EU level. For example, the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2021 – 2027 has a budget of € 8 billion for technologies and products that are relevant to the defence sector. Or receive funding through Digital Europe for innovations that will enhance Europe’s digital safety. Horizon Europe also offers several grant opportunities for projects that help secure a more resilient and safer Europe.

Grant opportunities on a national level

Every country within the EU has their own grant programmes for their own Defence industry. Depending on your location, project goal, project partners, you can apply for regional or national grant programmes.

Discover your grant opportunities

Grants not only offer opportunities to realise research and innovation projects, they also help reduce the financial risk. Our specialists are experts when it comes to acquiring grants. They would be pleased to support you in realising your innovative project for the Defence industry. Contact us for more information and to discover your grant opportunities. Send us an email to info@hezelburcht.com, call us on 088 495 20 00 or fill in the form below: