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.

Funding opportunities for the Defence industry

On EU and international level in particular, there are various interesting funding schemes available for innovation projects focused on (digital) security and defence.

European funding programmes for the Defence industry

The European Defence Fund 2021–2027 has over € 8 billion available for technologies and products applicable to defence. The EC has launched AGILE: a funding scheme for rapid and effective defence innovations. The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is European programme that stimulates innovation in the defence sector. EUDIS offers a range of instruments for SMEs, start-ups and other actors that are not traditionally part of the defence sector. And through Digital Europe, you can receive funding for digital innovations and cybercrime. In addition, the Horizon Europe programme (especially cluster 3: Civil Security for Society) offers funding opportunities for projects addressing current and future threats, cybercrime, and natural and man-made disasters.

NATO funding for Defence innovation

NATO has the DIANA acceleration programme for the development of innovative technologies by SMEs.

National programmes

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: