The European Defence Fund's 2026

The European Commission has launched the 2026 edition of the European Defence Fund (EDF), creating new opportunities in key areas such as digital transformation, secure connectivity, energy resilience, air and missile defence, space-enabled capabilities, maritime and underwater security, and ground combat systems.
For most calls, the deadline for submission is 29 September 2026.
This round places a strong emphasis on next-generation capabilities, system integration, and supporting innovative SMEs. Successful proposals will require early alignment with EU capability priorities, strong cross-border partnerships, and a credible exploitation pathway.