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DEFRA — Defence-Related Research Action

DEFRA 6th Call — Defence-Related Research

Funds Belgian defence-related innovation in critical technology sectors to strengthen real-world implementation.

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⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The DEFRA 6th Call 2026 is Belgium's sixth Defence-Related Research Action, administered by the Belgian Science Policy Office (Belspo) subject to Council of Ministers approval, with a total budget of €26 million distributed across ten research themes. The ten themes are: Resilient Propulsion Technologies for Strategic Autonomy (€2M), Cyber — Advanced Data Management and Intelligence Concepts (€3M)

Belgian federal defence-related research across ten themes — resilient propulsion, cyber and data intelligence, military medical logistics, biomanufacturing, smart energy, next-generation sensing, unmanned systems, conflict dynamics, communications technology, and an open defence research track.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24–48 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€26M

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.belspo.be