Are you developing technologies or products applicable to defence? The EC offers funding via the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2021-2027 for new technologies and products that can be a asset to the (European) defence and the EU Defence industry. The EDF will not only strengthen the industry and strategic autonomy, but will also give you the chance to offer a valuable contribution on a European level and collaborate with other parties.

European Defence Fund (EDF) Work Programme 2026

The European Commission published the sixth EDF work programme. For this programme, € 1 billion has been allocated to support the development of essential defence technologies and capabilities. There are 31 topics identified in 2026 for which projects can be considered. With this budget, there will be 7 thematic calls and 3 non-thematic calls in 2026. When the programme will be open has not yet been confirmed.

For whom is the European Defence Fund?

The EC aims to encourage more SMEs to participate within the programme. The preparatory programme EDIDP was for that reason specifically focused on SMEs. This aim has now also been extended to the new fund by encouraging collaboration between businesses, research institutes and universities. Business no matter their size, from SMEs to midcaps, are invited to participate and collaborate.

There are some requirements in order to participate in a collaborative project:

• Participating organisations have to be located in an EU Member State;
• Participating organisations are owned by members of the EU;
• Project proposals are focused on the needs of the defence industry.

The European Defence Fund (EDF) for SMEs

The European Defence Fund (EDF) also offers special funding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector in 2026. SMEs play a crucial role in developing innovative technologies and strategic capabilities that strengthen the European defence industry. Within the EDF 2026 work program, there are two specific SME calls:

1. Non-thematic call for SMEs and research organisations 
2. Non-thematic call for SMEs 

Project requirements

The European Defence Fund encourages cooperation among businesses, research institutions, and governments to develop new defence technologies. Selected projects under the 2022 call for example, included next-generation aircraft fighters, tanks, ships, and space-based early warning systems. Disruptive technologies and promising SMEs are also part of the mix. Success is measured by achieving project objectives, advancing defence capabilities, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Projects should enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and strengthen its defence industrial base.

Which topics are eligible?

Within the EDF Work Programme 2025, the following topics are eligible:

• Defence medical support, CBRN, biotech and human factors
• Information superiority
• Advanced passive and active sensors
• Cyber
• Space
• Digital transformation
• Energy resilience and environmental 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

Are you working within one of the above topics specifically on drone technologies within the defence domain? If so, here you can read here more about calls within the EDF Work Programme 2025 that align with this.

Budget and grant amount

The EDF has a total budget of nearly € 8 billion for 2021-2027. From this budget € 2.7 billion is allocated for collaborative defence research, and € 5.3 billion is for collaborative capability development projects that complement national contributions. The EDF provides varying funding rates for different types of activities. Research activities can be funded up to 100%, while development activities have different funding rates, complementing Member States’ or industrial investments, ranging from 20% to 80% (from prototyping to certification). In addition, there has been published a new EDF work programme for 2026, with an additional budget of € 1 billion.

European Defence Fund application support

Do you want to know more about the European Defence Fund? We would be pleased to find out whether your project is a match for the EDF or any other funding programme. You can contact us via info@hezelburcht.com, call to 088 495 20 00 or fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.