Non-thematic development actions by SMEs

Scope:

The proposals must address innovative defence products, solutions and technologies, including those that can improve readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions.

Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest(^[1]) from TRL 4 and above(^[1]).

In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this call topic also welcomes proposals for add-on development actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civil applications and previously not applied in the defence sector.

Management mode: Action implemented in indirect management by the European Defence Agency.

Form of funding: Contribution Agreement.

Entrusted tasks:

Implementation of lump sum grants, as decided by the Commission at the time of the awards following the competitive call EDF-2026-LS-DA-SME-NT.

Targeted types of activities: Any activities eligible for a development action. However, the proposals must address at least one activity among design, system prototyping, testing, qualification, certification and increasing efficiency.

Indicative budget: EUR 30 000 000 to support this topic and EUR 1 050 000 for the remuneration of the entrusted entity.

Range of financial contribution of the EU per proposal: The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 6 000 000.

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