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Expected Impact:The expected impact of the supported project include:• significantly improved security and resilience of the EU backbone networks;• strengthened quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries;• capacity, security and resilience of the overall backbone network infrastructure benefit all EU end-users;• benefits surpass those directly related to the individual supported projects and contribute to bridging the digital divide and ensuring widespread access to the Gigabit networks for all EU end-users and businesses.Key performance indicators for this topic will include: i) the total length of the backbone, and ii) the additional (significant) transmission capacity created as a result of the projects supported by CEF. For submarine cables the number of fibre pairs, the current capacity per fibre pair, as well as the technology chosen and whether the sy...

Expected Impact:The expected impacts of this call include:1. Increased security and resilience of the EU's submarine cable infrastructure through the deployment of cutting-edge smart cable technologies, which will contribute to the digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the EU.2. Enhanced coordination and sharing of vital data among Member States, enabling the detection and monitoring of threats and facilitating appropriate responses to ensure the continuity of critical services across the Union.3. Advanced environmental monitoring (e.g. climate change) and enhanced civil protection against potential natural disasters, achieved by sharing pertinent data with the scientific community and relevant authorities.Key performance indicators for this topic will include:1. The total length (km) and approximate targeted area (location, km2) of submarine cable systems (including cables’ name...

Scope:The aim of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of the next generation self-protection systems in order to increase the survivability of fixed wing and rotary wing, combat or non-combat aircraft in hostile environments.This topic is aimed at modular integration with both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, providing protection against direct and indirect threats based on open architecture and international standards, while protecting sensitive data and ensuring compatibility with other platforms. Key features include automatic coordination of countermeasures, threat detection and classification, and the ability to operate in complex environments. For indirect threats, the system should gather intelligence, disrupt enemy tracking and enable collaborative protection with other platforms.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the...

Scope:Smart and multifunctional textiles allow various components and devices to be integrated into uniforms and soldier systems. This extends their range of functions, which can include environmental and physiological monitoring of the soldier, localisation, communication, protective functions (e.g. concealing a soldier's visual, radar and electromagnetic signatures from enemy sensors and surveillance technologies, fire protection and neutralisation of hazardous chemicals). Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the critical operational need for protection of dismounted soldiers, particularly against drones, and triggered the definition of updated soldier system requirements.The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart and multifunctional textiles with a view to developing an individual camouflage solution, both...

Scope:This topic aims to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of high- performance energy systems, with a particular focus on unexplored technologies such as hydrogen (conversion, storage and logistics). New use cases for stationary military applications will therefore be identified and defined, while innovative building blocks and functional modules will be developed and evaluated. The demonstrators’ power and energy targets and other key performance indicators, including life cycle considerations, are expected to be improved, while the operability and connectivity to the energy grid systems of operational bases will be improved.In addition, this topic aims to advance the creation, revision or consolidation of military standards for products and processes for energy generation, distribution and storage.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the...

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: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: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: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 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: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: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:Reducing administrative barriers remains a challenge for the rapid movement of armed forces across the borders of EU Member States and EDF associated countries, especially in a constantly deteriorating geopolitical environment. The digitisation of the military mobility permit and clearance landscape is therefore crucial for rapid and efficient deployments.Against this background, this topic aims to follow up and complement activities in this area with the objective of developing a resilient system, including with a mobile application, capable of operating under adverse conditions when not all system nodes are available. This will require the implementation of advanced encryption methods to protect sensitive and urgent information exchanges, as well as embedded tracking and monitoring capabilities.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the...

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...

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...