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Scope:Main battle tanks (MBTs), with their unique combination of protection, mobility and firepower, remain a key element of land military manoeuvre, particularly in the context of conventional warfare. Existing MBT fleets in EU Member States and EDF associated countries are ageing, and new MBT technologies need to be developed and their operational effectiveness in all future scenarios thoroughly tested in order to maintain the current technological edge.This topic therefore aims to follow up and complement previous activities for the development of future MBT systems. These will need to be based on enhanced operational capabilities in all kinds of environments, e.g. in terms of higher multi-spectrum protection and survivability, advanced all-terrain mobility, superior firepower, long-range threat detection and advanced command and control systems, the ability to operate with a reduced...

Scope:The aim of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities already supported by the EDF in the field of medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessels, with a view to developing a universal fast-moving platform for the specific conditions of the littoral environment, providing enhanced coastal defence capabilities based on different mission modules, but also adaptable to other future naval warfare missions.In particular, this topic aims to review concepts and designs developed and implemented following the EDF call topic EDF-2022-DA-NAVAL-MSAS, while enabling new design, prototyping, testing and qualification activities concerning the platform and its autonomy package, and addressing information/data management and specific mission modules.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies...

Scope:The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart technologies for next generation fighter systems. It aims to explore future architectures and develop key technologies, including with proofs of concept, demonstrations and prototypes, for the next generation of military integrated modular avionics for use on a variety of military aerial platforms, both manned and unmanned aircraft, in the context of a defence air cloud.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, studies, design and system prototyping, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.Indicative budget: EUR 25 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.Indicative number of proposals to...

Scope:Taking into consideration the ongoing activities in this area funded by the EU, EU Member States and EDF associated countries, the general objective of this topic is to support the developments necessary for the integration and qualification of Public Regulated Service (PRS) receivers into existing military operational platforms as well as the enhancement of navigation warfare (NAVWAR) capabilities. In particular, this topic will focus on the development of Galileo PRS receiver technology and the NAVWAR information management system, taking into account the need to also support guided munitions and missiles in operational environments.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies.Targeted types of activities: Design, system prototyping, testing and qual...

Scope:The increasing complexity of military operations requires more advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems capable of dealing with multiple threats and operating in electromagnetic congested scenarios. Current solutions are partially effective and require the complex integration of different sensors and frequency bands. As a result, there is a growing need for automated EW systems that can rapidly identify and respond to threats, especially given the limited availability of qualified personnel.To meet this challenge, this topic aims to further develop and integrate technologies to develop a more robust, cognitive and operational EW system. Cognitive EW systems that use AI and machine learning can detect, learn and interact with the environment, accelerating the development and implementation of next-generation EW threat detection, suppression and neutralisation technologies. These sys...

Scope:Due to the changing overall geopolitical context, Member States, EDF associated countries and their land forces need to improve their indirect fire and rocket artillery capabilities in particular, as many have been relying on non-European systems that are already approaching the end of their operational life.Against this background, this topic aims to develop multiple rocket launcher solutions capable of countering the latest threats by increasing the range and precision of indirect fire, maximising interoperability and optimising the cost-effectiveness of operations in a high-intensity and GNSS-contested battle scenario.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development action...

Scope:This topic aims to develop a prototype of a semi-autonomous remote management system, integrated with adaptive hardware that continuously learns and improves its ability to identify and dispose of potential objects. The primary objective is to detect and dispose of ammunition waste and residues from military training areas and battlefields. This will significantly reduce the risk factor associated with human involvement, ultimately contributing to a cleaner environment and in line with the ‘green military’ concept.The performance of the system to be developed is expected to improve over time, allowing it to expand its capabilities and cover larger areas.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of clean and resource-efficient technologies.Targeted types of activities: Studies, desi...

Scope:Proposals must demonstrate their disruptive impact on defence applications in order to accelerate the creation and deployment of novel solutions for armed forces and support the uptake of new civilian innovations in the defence sector. Proposals must focus on enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness, improving strategic decision-making and addressing emerging threats through cutting-edge technologies or products. Solutions must embrace disruption to enable armed forces to gain a technological edge and adapt to rapidly evolving security challenges, ultimately ensuring radical technological superiority over potential adversaries. Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest reaching at least TRL4 .The funded actions should aim to achieve a rapid time-to-market. Management mode: Action implemented in indirect managemen...

Scope:The proposals must demonstrate their disruptive impact on defence applications and address innovative technologies and solutions for defence, including those that can improve the readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions. Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest (8 ) reaching at least TRL 4 (9 ).In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this topic also welcomes proposals for add-on research actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civilian applications and previously not...

Scope:Air-to-air refuelling enhances military operations by enabling long-range missions. Refuelling currently requires manual coordination between tanker operators and receiving pilots, which is complex and labour-intensive. Automated air-to-air refuelling solutions are expected to reduce workload and increase safety for both crews, while also being essential for future unmanned aerial systems.The objective of this topic is to explore the development of sensor systems, in particular hardware and sensor fusion, to enable accurate relative navigation between tanker, receiver and refuelling systems, even in adverse conditions. In addition, enhanced optical sensors, advanced image processing, flight control algorithms and pilot assistance interfaces will play a crucial role in improving the docking and refuelling process, increasing safety and time efficiency.This topic contributes to the S...

Scope:This topic aims to follow up and complement previous activities for the development of an endo-atmospheric interceptor by maturing key technologies required to successfully counter hypersonic and ballistic threats up to TRL 6. It should build on specific concept designs and advance the required technologies by developing dedicated demonstrators, e.g. for airframe, propulsion, platform separation, lethality, threat tracking and acquisition.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Management mode: Action implemented in indirect management by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.Form of funding: Contribution Agreement.Entrusted tasks:Implementation of actual cost grants following a competitive call.Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping and testing, not e...

Scope:The high speed and significant manoeuvrability of hypersonic vehicles, particularly hypersonic glide vehicles, create difficult conditions for target detection and tracking, which are exacerbated by changes in radar cross section characteristics. Radar waveforms and signal processing become essential to counter the effects induced by hypersonic threat dynamics. In addition, the last decade has seen a global increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for battlefield intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. Anti-UAV radars therefore need to be developed to detect, identify and track such systems. Innovative approaches (e.g. AI and cognitive methods) can provide the means to select the best waveform receiver filter combination to maximise radar detection and tracking performance also using a feedback loop between the received and transmitted signal characteristics.This t...

Scope:There is a need for a new multirole light aircraft that can bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology, as most of the fleet in this segment across the EU is ageing.The future multirole light aircraft (FMLA) concept must not duplicate or create fragmentation of existing systems of turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft and associated electronic systems. By exploiting the existing platforms, technologies and innovations in Europe, this research topic can reduce the risks associated with the development of FMLA capabilities for air-to-ground operations. FMLA should also be effective in specific combat roles such as light attack, anti-drone interception and close air support.The objective of this topic is therefore to develop a low-cost, single-engine (turboprop) aircraft capable of operating in a variety of operational environments, providing direct...

Scope:The proposals must address innovative defence products, solutions and technologies, including those that can improve readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions.Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest([1]) from TRL 4 and above([1]).In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this call topic also welcomes proposals for add-on development actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civil applications and previously not applied in the defence sector.Management mode: Action implem...

Scope:The objective of this topic is to assess the feasibility of creating an AI framework for defence applications as a springboard for developing future tactical intelligence concepts by providing military simulation capabilities, historical data sets, a rich scenario and benchmark database, access to doctrinal models and output from previously developed AI services. This would also enable a common simulation framework for war games/combat simulations with the potential to similarly facilitate improved learning support in mission planning and execution, including through AI-enabled battlespace simulation.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible...

Scope:This topic aims to improve the protection of seabed infrastructure through a comprehensive system, including unmanned assets, advanced sensors, underwater observation, detection, acquisition and communication systems, and integrated command and control. This initiative focuses on the development and validation of such a system for future operations, integrated with maritime command centres for coordinated responses. The approach combines operational levels and innovative technologies to effectively mitigate risk and ensure continuity of operations.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream activities eligible for research actions.Indicative budget: EUR 30 000 000 for this topic...

Scope:An unmanned aerial vehicle used as unmanned loyal wingman/unmanned combat aerial vehicle requires specific performance for a variety of mission profiles to meet storage, deployment and operational requirements. In particular, an engine that provides optimum thrust and electrical power capabilities is required to meet these performance requirements.Against this background, the aim of this topic is to investigate a new turbofan engine in the range of approximately 25-35 kN that meets all feasible military requirements and is capable of operating on kerosene, hydrogen (H2) and sustainable aviation fuel.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge, studies and design.Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the...

Scope:The next generation of tactical military networks are being developed using software defined radio solutions and software defined network solutions to provide secure and resilient communications against cyberattacks. More agile and flexible than traditional approaches, these solutions make it much easier to integrate additional devices, including mobile devices, and innovative technologies into military networks such as quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography and physical unclonable functions. In particular, quantum key distribution aims to provide a higher level of trust in information sharing and cyber defence operations by ensuring that all intrusions and hacking attempts are detected in real time using quantum principles.Building on previous and ongoing EDF R&D activities in this area, this topic aims to develop software defined network technologies and solutions fo...

Scope:The automatic analysis of tactical situations using fleets of robots, drones and AI is an important research topic that lacks standardised benchmarks and objective evaluation campaigns. This call topic aims to set up a testing environment and organise a technological challenge in which research teams will participate, supported by another topic (EDF-2024-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAP-STEP) and possibly other sources of funding. The testing environment should enable objective comparisons between different approaches. Data should be collected during field tests, annotated and shared to enable the validation of the system performances based on precise evaluation criteria and plans, to be provided as part of the call document.Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.Indicative budget: EUR 7 000 000...

Scope:This topic aims to improve the design of underwater platforms and the proper integration of sonars, including the verification of existing tools and the development of better tools for modelling underwater flow-generated noise that can support the placement of sonars and the simulation of radiated noise from underwater platforms. The models to be developed for both sonar design and radiated noise will include the generation of high-quality verification data and would support the design of underwater platforms and the placement and design of sonars.Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge and studies, not excluding downstream activities eligible for research actions.Indicative budget: EUR 10 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on...

Scope:Assisting soldiers with robots and drones that can provide accurate tactical situational awareness by using AI becomes essential for soldier protection. This call topic aims to follow on and complement previous activities in the field of hidden threat detection and explore solutions involving various combinations of intelligent robots, drones and sensing technologies for advanced detection and recognition of threats, in view of their avoidance or neutralisation.These solutions should be tested under realistic scenarios in a comparable and objective manner to reach up to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6. For that purpose, each consortium supported through this call topic will benefit from a common testing environment set up as part of a technological challenge and will have to participate in the experiment campaigns organised with this objective.Beyond defence technologies, this to...

Scope:In order to increase situational awareness and operational superiority, improved detection, tracking and identification capabilities over large areas with increased range and minimum latency are required. High-frequency (HF) over-the-horizon (OTH) systems therefore need to be improved, while an EU concept for a cognitive and scalable network of HF OTH sensors could be further explored.The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of OTH, in particular the development of technologies for an EU OTH radar network concept providing deep cooperation and data sharing for strategic surveillance. In this context, both HF surface (active, cooperative and non-cooperative passive) and skywave radar technologies should be explored and integrated for their respective advantages in terms of area covered at long ranges and as a gap filler in an agile...

Scope:Current military decontamination processes are manual and time-consuming, while automation could improve efficiency, safety and control. Clearance decontamination, which ensures that equipment is safe for transport and disposal, is a challenging process that may require advanced technologies. A new approach to CBRN decontamination is needed that is simple, safe, reliable and uses minimal water. New technologies such as catalysts and UV radiation are being considered to neutralise agents without damaging equipment. Decontamination is also critical in the management of biological emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics, and is not limited to military scenarios. Solid sorbents, including nanosorbents, are promising, with advantages such as low toxicity and non-corrosiveness. Clearance decontamination should conform to nationally established standards and guidelines so that the...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:AI-based demonstrators for Earth Intelligence tools integrating observations and socio-economic data, for evidence-based decision making. Whereby Earth Intelligence refers to data-driven decision support tools with relevant research-based assessments, data, and options;support to national, EU and international environmental policy making or implementation (e.g. European Climate Law, Preparedness Union Strategy, Nature Restoration Regulation, Paris Agreement, or Sustainable Development Goals). Scope:Proposals should develop and demonstrate downstream applications for a range of use cases (e.g. weather-, climate-related risks, environmental hazards, or biodiversity reporting) using broadly and intensively Earth Observation and relevant datasets for supporting sustainability and competitive...

Expected Impact:As indicated in section 1 the Multi-annual Work Programme, it is expected that the financial assistance contributes to the further development and implementation of PCIs and PMIs helping to achieve the broader TEN-E policy objectives and the CEF energy policy objectives of:further integration of an efficient and competitive internal energy market,interoperability of networks across borders and sectors,facilitating decarbonisation of the economy, promoting energy efficiency and ensuring security of supply. In accordance with Recital 5 of the CEF Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 and in line with the Multi-annual Work Programme, this call for proposals aims at financing projects contributing to the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 climate and energy targets and the EU's mid-term and long-term objectives in terms of decarbo...