EU defence industry, including small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and research entities submitted a record high number of proposals under the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF) calls for proposals. A total of 298 proposals compete for funding worth €1.1 billion for collaborative EU defence research and development (R&D) projects. This represents the highest number of proposals received since the Fund was established in 2021, with an overall increase of 25% compared to last year. Furthermore, it includes a record-breaking number of proposals submitted under the non-thematic calls targeting SMEs and research organisations, with a 28% increase compared to 2023. This confirms that the EDF is highly attractive also for smaller companies and newcomers to the defence sector.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, said: ‘‘I am delighted to see the continuously growing interest from the European defence industry to collaborate in the context of the European Defence Fund. At a time when European defence readiness is paramount, it is encouraging to witness the commitment of the defence industry, including an increasing number of SMEs, to build a stronger defence technological base and develop cutting edge defence capabilities.”
The proposals submitted fall under all the thematic priorities agreed with the EU Member States. These EDF 2024 calls for proposals will support projects in a number of critical defence capability domains, including the development of a next generation armoured infantry fighting vehicle, of capabilities to counter hypersonic missiles, of a broad range of unmanned air and ground systems, of an autonomous heavy mine sweeping system and of secure space communications. The submitted proposals will also pave the way for the development of next generation defence platforms, such as platforms for helicopters and mid-size cargo aircraft. EDF 2024 calls also provide dedicated support for defence innovation, particularly for SMEs, and promote inclusiveness through the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), which benefits from a total funding of €225 million.
All submitted project proposals will now undergo admissibility and eligibility checks by Commission services. Once completed, the Commission, assisted by independent external experts, will evaluate the scientific excellence and other award criteria, as well as perform an ethics screening of all projects. The results of the evaluation are scheduled for release in May 2025.
Lähde: European Commission
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