EDF 2025 – 31 Open Calls

17 February 2025

Introduction to EDF 2025 Calls

The European Defence Fund (EDF) offers funding opportunities to advance European defence capabilities and foster innovation. As part of the EU’s strategy to enhance the technological and industrial bases of the defence sector, the EDF provides financial support for projects that drive military innovation, security, and technological advancements. The EDF 2025 calls present a range of opportunities for organizations engaged in developing next-generation defence solutions.

In this article, we explore the 31 open calls in the EDF 2025, discussing their focus areas, eligible organizations, and the types of projects that will be funded. These calls cover a variety of defence domains, from cyber resilience and autonomous vehicles to space-based operations and advanced training systems.

What is the European Defence Fund (EDF)?

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a major initiative launched by the European Commission with the aim of enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities. The fund supports collaborative projects between European Union (EU) member states, businesses, and research organizations. The funding focuses on strengthening defence technological and industrial bases while promoting cooperation across borders.

Through the EDF, organizations can access substantial grants to develop cutting-edge technologies in various areas, from weapons systems to cyber defence solutions. It is a key tool for bolstering European security and building a more autonomous and resilient EU defence sector.

Who Can Apply for the EDF 2025 Calls?

The EDF 2025 calls are primarily aimed at a wide array of organizations involved in the development of innovative defence technologies and systems. Eligible applicants include:

Public and private research organizations: Universities, research institutes, and technology hubs that focus on defence-related innovation.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Companies involved in disruptive technologies or specialised solutions for defence.
Large companies and industries: Established entities that partner with smaller organizations or research bodies to develop large-scale projects.
Public authorities: Defence ministries, governmental bodies, and agencies focused on national security.
Consortia of organizations: Collaborative partnerships between different organizations across various countries are encouraged to submit joint proposals.

These calls aim to encourage businesses, academia, and the public sector to cooperate and promote the development of advanced defence technologies within Europe.

What Types of Projects Are Funded in the EDF 2025 Calls?

The EDF 2025 calls span a wide range of defence sectors, including cybersecurity, space-based technologies, air combat systems, autonomous vehicles, and more. Below are the key areas of focus:

Cyber Defence and Resilience

One of the most crucial areas of investment in the EDF 2025 calls is enhancing cyber resilience and cyber defence capabilities. Projects that focus on cybersecurity operations, improve cyber defence operations, and develop technologies for optronic detectors are eligible for funding. These initiatives aim to protect military systems from growing cyber threats, ensuring robust and secure communications and operations.

Space-Based Defence Technologies

Space-based technologies are becoming increasingly vital in defence strategies. Several EDF 2025 calls address space-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) constellations, which enhance satellite capabilities for military operations. EDF encourage proposals that focus on on-orbit operations, space services, and advanced space applications.

Advanced Air Combat Systems

The EDF 2025 calls also focus on developing collaborative air combat systems, aimed at improving the performance and capabilities of fighter jets and other military aircraft. Proposals that relate to enhancing pilot environments, advancing next-generation soldier systems, and building full-size demonstrators for air combat technologies are among the open calls.

Autonomous Systems and Platforms

The fund also emphasizes the development of autonomous systems for military applications. Calls related to autonomous triage and evacuation systems, underwater networks, and future modular multifunctional land platforms are key examples. These projects aim to boost operational efficiency, reduce human intervention, and enhance safety on the battlefield.

Maritime and Naval Technologies

The EDF 2025 calls encourage the development of maritime and naval technologies such as naval hybrid propulsion systems, advanced underwater networks, and digital ship combat clouds. These projects aim to modernize naval fleets and enhance their capabilities in a rapidly evolving strategic environment.

Training and Simulation Systems

Another area of focus is the development of live, virtual, and constructive training interoperability for military forces. Projects under this category aim to enhance joint operations and develop service-specific training solutions, fostering improved collaboration and readiness among EU armed forces.

Key EDF 2025 Calls: Dates and Deadlines

The EDF 2025 calls cover a variety of important domains within the defence sector. Here is an overview of some of the key calls that are currently open, with the closing date for submissions on 16th October 2025:

These calls are aimed at organizations looking to contribute to the future of European defence by developing innovative technologies and systems.

How to Apply for EDF 2025 Calls?

The application process for the EDF 2025 calls typically involves several steps. Organizations interested in applying need to:

Check Eligibility: Ensure that their organization or consortium meets the criteria outlined for each specific call.
Prepare a Proposal: Develop a detailed project proposal, which includes objectives, expected outcomes, and the technological innovations involved.
Submit via the EU Portal: Proposals must be submitted through the EU’s official submission portal before the deadlines.
Evaluation Process: The European Commission evaluates proposals based on their quality, innovation, and contribution to European defence.

You should review the specific guidelines for each call to ensure that you meet all requirements.

Conclusion

The EDF 2025 programme represent a significant opportunity for organizations across Europe to secure funding for defence innovation projects. With 31 open calls covering a wide range of topics—from cyber defence and space technologies to autonomous systems and advanced training methods—the EDF offers support to those developing cutting-edge solutions for Europe’s future defence needs. Whether you’re a small enterprise or a large consortium, the EDF can help turn your innovative ideas into reality, fostering collaboration across borders and strengthening Europe’s security capabilities.

Make sure to explore the details of each EDF 2025 call, prepare your application, and contribute to the growth of Europe’s defence sector.

Stay up to date with the calls for the main European programs on our blog.