European Defence Fund (DG DEFIS)

Funds European Defence Fund, the European Union vehicle supporting collaborative defence capability innovation projects.

The European Defence Fund is the European Union's main grant vehicle for collaborative defence research and capability development. Managed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, it carries a nearly €7.3 billion budget for 2021-2027 and a €1 billion 2026 work programme for collaborative R&D.

EDF funds consortia of EU-based companies, research organisations, and public bodies through research actions, development actions, and the EUDIS innovation track. The 2026 programme includes 31 call topics, a major focus on critical technologies such as quantum-secured networks, electronic warfare, and high-performance energy systems, and a €231 million EUDIS envelope covering disruptive technologies and SME-facing calls.

Eligibility is built around cross-border collaboration: most topics require at least three Member States or associated countries, while some disruptive technology calls allow two entities from two countries. Applications run through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, and the strongest proposals are those that combine defence relevance with credible consortium depth and a clear path from research to prototype or deployment.