The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the programme for collaborative defence research and development to foster an innovative and competitive defence industrial base. Complementing and amplifying Member States’ efforts, the Fund promotes cooperation among companies and research actors of all sizes and from all geographic destinations in the European Union.

The Fund supports competitive and collaborative projects throughout the entire cycle of research and development for a bigger impact on the European defence capability and industrial landscape. It strongly encourages participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative projects and fosters breakthrough innovative solutions.

The EDF was preceded by two test programmes with limited duration and budget – the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) and the European Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP). 

• The Fund has a budget of nearly €7.3 billion for 2021-2027, with
• €2.7 billion allocated for collaborative defence research and
• €5.3 billion for collaborative capability development projects that complement national contributions.

The financial support is offered primarily through grants up to 100% of eligible costs.

The EDF is implemented through annual work programmes structured along 17 thematic and horizontal categories of actions, which have been shaped to remain stable during the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. 

Calls for proposals will be launched on an annual basis following the adoption of the corresponding annual work programme.