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EDF 2026 – List of the 31 Topics

The EDF Work Programme 2026 addresses  31 call topics in total, structured along seven thematic calls for proposals, three non-thematic calls for proposals, one action to focus on threats from hypersonic glide vehicles, and two actions in support of the EU Alliance for defence medical countermeasures. All information available here.

The seven thematic calls for proposals cover 25 topics related to core EDF thematic categories and are implemented through research and development calls, the three non-thematic calls are dedicated to 3 topics fostering innovation and encouraging SME participation, in particular through:

The exhaustive list of Topics is included below:

Research Actions (RA & LS-RA)

Development Actions (DA, DA-EXP, DA-ACC)

Disruptive & SME-Focused Actions

Specific Grant Agreements (FPA-based)

EDF-2026-RA-SGA-MCBRN-MCM-STEP – Defence medical countermeasures (research)
EDF-2026-DA-SGA-MCBRN-MCM-STEP – Defence medical countermeasures (development)

1. EDF-2026-RA-MCBRN-DST – CBRN decontamination systems and technologies

This topic aims to explore solutions for the thorough decontamination of large military equipment, in particular for post-mission decontamination. It focuses on the development of nanosorbents capable of effectively absorbing CBRN agents even in the presence of water. These sorbents can be applied using portable backpack devices and larger mobile devices, enabling efficient decontamination on both a small and large scale.

Current military decontamination processes are manual and time-consuming, while automation could improve efficiency, safety and control. Clearance decontamination, which ensures that equipment is safe for transport and disposal, is a challenging process that may require advanced technologies. A new approach to CBRN decontamination is needed that is simple, safe, reliable and uses minimal water. New technologies such as catalysts and UV radiation are being considered to neutralise agents without damaging equipment. Decontamination is also critical in the management of biological emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics, and is not limited to military scenarios. Solid sorbents, including nanosorbents, are promising, with advantages such as low toxicity and non-corrosiveness. Clearance decontamination should conform to nationally established standards and guidelines so that the equipment can be transported through non-EU countries and/or returned to its country of origin or final destination.

Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, studies and design, not excluding upstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 15 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

2. EDF-2026-RA-SENS-MSDT – Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test

This topic focuses on the development of an engineering development model (i.e. demonstrator) capable of supporting tasks such as demonstrating the maturity of innovative technologies in the radar domain and supporting the feasibility of implementing such technologies in terms of time, investment cost, complexity and applicability to military operations. The ultimate aim is to reduce the risks associated with future full sensor development that includes these features.

The high speed and significant manoeuvrability of hypersonic vehicles, particularly hypersonic glide vehicles, create difficult conditions for target detection and tracking, which are exacerbated by changes in radar cross section characteristics. Radar waveforms and signal processing become essential to counter the effects induced by hypersonic threat dynamics. In addition, the last decade has seen a global increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for battlefield intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. Anti-UAV radars therefore need to be developed to detect, identify and track such systems. Innovative approaches (e.g. AI and cognitive methods) can provide the means to select the best waveform receiver filter combination to maximise radar detection and tracking performance also using a feedback loop between the received and transmitted signal characteristics.

Targeted types of activities: Generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design.

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on the quality of the proposals submitted and the budget available, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded for this topic.

3. EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN – Quantum secured tactical networks

Building on previous and ongoing EDF R&D activities in this area, this topic aims to develop software defined network technologies and solutions for a network architecture framework based on quantum technologies that will provide EU armed forces with a technological edge in secure tactical networks.

The next generation of tactical military networks are being developed using software defined radio solutions and software defined network solutions to provide secure and resilient communications against cyberattacks. More agile and flexible than traditional approaches, these solutions make it much easier to integrate additional devices, including mobile devices, and innovative technologies into military networks such as quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography and physical unclonable functions. In particular, quantum key distribution aims to provide a higher level of trust in information sharing and cyber defence operations by ensuring that all intrusions and hacking attempts are detected in real time using quantum principles.

Targeted types of activities: Generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design.

Indicative budget: EUR 14 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on the quality of the proposals submitted and the budget available, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded for this topic.

4. EDF-2026-RA-AIR-A4R – Autonomous and automatic air-to-air refuelling

The objective of this topic is to explore the development of sensor systems, in particular hardware and sensor fusion, to enable accurate relative navigation between tanker, receiver and refuelling systems, even in adverse conditions. In addition, enhanced optical sensors, advanced image processing, flight control algorithms and pilot assistance interfaces will play a crucial role in improving the docking and refuelling process, increasing safety and time efficiency.

Air-to-air refuelling enhances military operations by enabling long-range missions. Refuelling currently requires manual coordination between tanker operators and receiving pilots, which is complex and labour-intensive. Automated air-to-air refuelling solutions are expected to reduce workload and increase safety for both crews, while also being essential for future unmanned aerial systems.

Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, studies and design, not excluding upstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

5. EDF-2026-RA-PROTMOB-FMLA – Future multirole light aircraft

The objective of this topic is to develop a low-cost, single-engine (turboprop) aircraft capable of operating in a variety of operational environments, providing direct air support, ground targeting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with combat elements, and air strike coordination and reconnaissance with air traffic control support in a forward position in hostile environments during counter-terrorism missions.

There is a need for a new multirole light aircraft that can bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology, as most of the fleet in this segment across the EU is ageing.

The future multirole light aircraft (FMLA) concept must not duplicate or create fragmentation of existing systems of turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft and associated electronic systems. By exploiting the existing platforms, technologies and innovations in Europe, this research topic can reduce the risks associated with the development of FMLA capabilities for air-to-ground operations. FMLA should also be effective in specific combat roles such as light attack, anti-drone interception and close air support.

Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 15 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

6. EDF-2026-RA-SIMTRAIN-MSAI - Modelling & simulation supported AI framework for military decision-making and training

The objective of this topic is to assess the feasibility of creating an AI framework for defence applications as a springboard for developing future tactical intelligence concepts by providing military simulation capabilities, historical data sets, a rich scenario and benchmark database, access to doctrinal models and output from previously developed AI services. This would also enable a common simulation framework for war games/combat simulations with the potential to similarly facilitate improved learning support in mission planning and execution, including through AI-enabled battlespace simulation.

Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 16 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

Range of financial contribution of the EU per proposal: The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 8 000 000.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

7. EDF-2026-RA-UWW-FUWN – Development and validation of models predicting flow-related underwater noise

This topic aims to improve the design of underwater platforms and the proper integration of sonars, including the verification of existing tools and the development of better tools for modelling underwater flow-generated noise that can support the placement of sonars and the simulation of radiated noise from underwater platforms. The models to be developed for both sonar design and radiated noise will include the generation of high-quality verification data and would support the design of underwater platforms and the placement and design of sonars.

Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge and studies, not excluding downstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 10 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.

8. EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-ENERENV-NTFE – New turbofan engine

An unmanned aerial vehicle used as unmanned loyal wingman/unmanned combat aerial vehicle requires specific performance for a variety of mission profiles to meet storage, deployment and operational requirements. In particular, an engine that provides optimum thrust and electrical power capabilities is required to meet these performance requirements.

Against this background, the aim of this topic is to investigate a new turbofan engine in the range of approximately 25-35 kN that meets all feasible military requirements and is capable of operating on kerosene, hydrogen (H2) and sustainable aviation fuel.

Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge, studies and design.

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA-SI call.

The proposals need to build upon or integrate results that have been achieved within one or several projects funded following an EU programme call with a focus on civil applications and for which applicants will have the necessary rights to use and commercialise the results.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

9. EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-UWW-CSBI-STEP – Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection

This topic aims to improve the protection of seabed infrastructure through a comprehensive system, including unmanned assets, advanced sensors, underwater observation, detection, acquisition and communication systems, and integrated command and control. This initiative focuses on the development and validation of such a system for future operations, integrated with maritime command centres for coordinated responses. The approach combines operational levels and innovative technologies to effectively mitigate risk and ensure continuity of operations.

Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 30 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA-SI call.

Range of financial contribution of the EU per proposal: The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 15 000 000.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

10. EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAP-STEP – AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones – participation in a technological challenge

Assisting soldiers with robots and drones that can provide accurate tactical situational awareness by using AI becomes essential for soldier protection. This call topic aims to follow on and complement previous activities in the field of hidden threat detection and explore solutions involving various combinations of intelligent robots, drones and sensing technologies for advanced detection and recognition of threats, in view of their avoidance or neutralisation.

These solutions should be tested under realistic scenarios in a comparable and objective manner to reach up to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6. For that purpose, each consortium supported through this call topic will benefit from a common testing environment set up as part of a technological challenge and will have to participate in the experiment campaigns organised with this objective.

Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 23 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

Range of the financial contribution of the EU per proposal: The requested funding cannot exceed EUR 4 600 000.

11. EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAO – AI-based tactical situational awareness using swarms of small robots and drones – organisation of a technological challenge

The automatic analysis of tactical situations using fleets of robots, drones and AI is an important research topic that lacks standardised benchmarks and objective evaluation campaigns.

This call topic aims to set up a testing environment and organise a technological challenge in which research teams will participate, supported by another topic (EDF-2024-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAP-STEP) and possibly other sources of funding. The testing environment should enable objective comparisons between different approaches. Data should be collected during field tests, annotated and shared to enable the validation of the system performances based on precise evaluation criteria and plans, to be provided as part of the call document.

Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 7 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-LS-RA-CHALLENGE call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic.

12. EDF-2026-DA-SENS-CEW-STEP – Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis

The increasing complexity of military operations requires more advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems capable of dealing with multiple threats and operating in electromagnetic congested scenarios. Current solutions are partially effective and require the complex integration of different sensors and frequency bands. As a result, there is a growing need for automated EW systems that can rapidly identify and respond to threats, especially given the limited availability of qualified personnel.

To meet this challenge, this topic aims to further develop and integrate technologies to develop a more robust, cognitive and operational EW system. Cognitive EW systems that use AI and machine learning can detect, learn and interact with the environment, accelerating the development and implementation of next-generation EW threat detection, suppression and neutralisation technologies. These systems can interpret large amounts of data from multiple sources, operate autonomously and provide faster and better-quality data, ultimately automating system decisions and improving response time in critical situations.

Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 24 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

13. EDF-2026-DA-SPACE-PRS-STEP – Integration of Galileo PRS receivers on weapon systems and NAVWAR operational centres in military C2

Taking into consideration the ongoing activities in this area funded by the EU, EU Member States and EDF associated countries, the general objective of this topic is to support the developments necessary for the integration and qualification of Public Regulated Service (PRS) receivers into existing military operational platforms as well as the enhancement of navigation warfare (NAVWAR) capabilities. In particular, this topic will focus on the development of Galileo PRS receiver technology and the NAVWAR information management system, taking into account the need to also support guided munitions and missiles in operational environments.

Targeted types of activities: Design, system prototyping, testing and qualification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 50 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

14. EDF-2026-DA-ENERENV-HPES-STEP – High-performance energy systems

This topic aims to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of high- performance energy systems, with a particular focus on unexplored technologies such as hydrogen (conversion, storage and logistics). New use cases for stationary military applications will therefore be identified and defined, while innovative building blocks and functional modules will be developed and evaluated. The demonstrators’ power and energy targets and other key performance indicators, including life cycle considerations, are expected to be improved, while the operability and connectivity to the energy grid systems of operational bases will be improved.

In addition, this topic aims to advance the creation, revision or consolidation of military standards for products and processes for energy generation, distribution and storage.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping and testing, not excluding other activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

15. EDF-2026-DA-ENERENV-AWC-STEP – Ammunition Waste Collection and Disposal Unmanned Platform

This topic aims to develop a prototype of a semi-autonomous remote management system, integrated with adaptive hardware that continuously learns and improves its ability to identify and dispose of potential objects. The primary objective is to detect and dispose of ammunition waste and residues from military training areas and battlefields. This will significantly reduce the risk factor associated with human involvement, ultimately contributing to a cleaner environment and in line with the ‘green military’ concept.

The performance of the system to be developed is expected to improve over time, allowing it to expand its capabilities and cover larger areas.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping, testing, qualification and certification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 10 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

16. EDF-2026-DA-MATCOMP-SMT-STEP – Smart and multifunctional textiles

Smart and multifunctional textiles allow various components and devices to be integrated into uniforms and soldier systems. This extends their range of functions, which can include environmental and physiological monitoring of the soldier, localisation, communication, protective functions (e.g. concealing a soldier's visual, radar and electromagnetic signatures from enemy sensors and surveillance technologies, fire protection and neutralisation of hazardous chemicals). Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the critical operational need for protection of dismounted soldiers, particularly against drones, and triggered the definition of updated soldier system requirements.

The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart and multifunctional textiles with a view to developing an individual camouflage solution, both static and dynamic, against drone surveillance using innovative technologies capable of ensuring soldier survivability in hostile environments.

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

Form of funding: Contribution Agreement.

Entrusted tasks:

Implementation of actual cost grants following a competitive call.

Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call and EUR 700 000 for the remuneration of the entrusted entity.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on the quality of the submitted proposals and the available budget, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded for this topic.

17. EDF-2026-DA-AIR-SPS – Self-protection systems

The aim of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of the next generation self-protection systems in order to increase the survivability of fixed wing and rotary wing, combat or non-combat aircraft in hostile environments.

This topic is aimed at modular integration with both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, providing protection against direct and indirect threats based on open architecture and international standards, while protecting sensitive data and ensuring compatibility with other platforms. Key features include automatic coordination of countermeasures, threat detection and classification, and the ability to operate in complex environments. For indirect threats, the system should gather intelligence, disrupt enemy tracking and enable collaborative protection with other platforms.

Targeted types of activities: Design, system prototyping, testing and qualification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 24 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

18. EDF-2026-DA-AIR-STFS – Smart technologies for next-generation fighter systems

The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart technologies for next generation fighter systems. It aims to explore future architectures and develop key technologies, including with proofs of concept, demonstrations and prototypes, for the next generation of military integrated modular avionics for use on a variety of military aerial platforms, both manned and unmanned aircraft, in the context of a defence air cloud.

Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, studies, design and system prototyping, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 25 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

19. EDF-2026-DA-GROUND-MRL – Multiple rocket launcher

Due to the changing overall geopolitical context, Member States, EDF associated countries and their land forces need to improve their indirect fire and rocket artillery capabilities in particular, as many have been relying on non-European systems that are already approaching the end of their operational life.

Against this background, this topic aims to develop multiple rocket launcher solutions capable of countering the latest threats by increasing the range and precision of indirect fire, maximising interoperability and optimising the cost-effectiveness of operations in a high-intensity and GNSS-contested battle scenario.

Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 25 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

20. EDF-2026-DA-GROUND-MBT – Future main battle tank platform systems

Main battle tanks (MBTs), with their unique combination of protection, mobility and firepower, remain a key element of land military manoeuvre, particularly in the context of conventional warfare. Existing MBT fleets in EU Member States and EDF associated countries are ageing, and new MBT technologies need to be developed and their operational effectiveness in all future scenarios thoroughly tested in order to maintain the current technological edge.

This topic therefore aims to follow up and complement previous activities for the development of future MBT systems. These will need to be based on enhanced operational capabilities in all kinds of environments, e.g. in terms of higher multi-spectrum protection and survivability, advanced all-terrain mobility, superior firepower, long-range threat detection and advanced command and control systems, the ability to operate with a reduced crew and, in the future, unmanned, improved logistical sustainability and affordability of manufacturing costs, which are key to the ability to deploy large numbers of platforms in a short time if required.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping, testing and qualification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 125 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic.

21. EDF-2026-DA-PROTMOB-DMM – Secure digital military mobility system

Reducing administrative barriers remains a challenge for the rapid movement of armed forces across the borders of EU Member States and EDF associated countries, especially in a constantly deteriorating geopolitical environment. The digitisation of the military mobility permit and clearance landscape is therefore crucial for rapid and efficient deployments.

Against this background, this topic aims to follow up and complement activities in this area with the objective of developing a resilient system, including with a mobile application, capable of operating under adverse conditions when not all system nodes are available. This will require the implementation of advanced encryption methods to protect sensitive and urgent information exchanges, as well as embedded tracking and monitoring capabilities.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, prototyping, testing, qualification and certification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 9 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

22. EDF-2026-DA-NAVAL-EMSAS – Enhanced medium-size autonomous surface vessels

The aim of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities already supported by the EDF in the field of medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessels, with a view to developing a universal fast-moving platform for the specific conditions of the littoral environment, providing enhanced coastal defence capabilities based on different mission modules, but also adaptable to other future naval warfare missions.

In particular, this topic aims to review concepts and designs developed and implemented following the EDF call topic EDF-2022-DA-NAVAL-MSAS, while enabling new design, prototyping, testing and qualification activities concerning the platform and its autonomy package, and addressing information/data management and specific mission modules.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping, testing and qualification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 90 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

23. EDF-2026-DA-EXP-DIGIT-MDOC-STEP – Military multi-domain operations cloud services

Military operations require higher flexibility and mobility to gain and maintain the initiative. A collaborative, more efficient and digitised secure, cyber-resilient battlespace across land, air, maritime and space domains is key for information superiority, future mission management, spectrum dominance and smart decision support. The development of a common shared information space with a ‘cloud of clouds’ approach, leading to multi-domain operations cloud services, is therefore needed.

The objective of this topic is to follow on and complement previous activities in the field of multi-domain operation cloud services and combine actual existing and future multi-level community-of-interest (COI) and COI-enabling services into a federated, multi-national service mesh. The aim is to enable and support multi-level situational awareness and command and control capabilities for multi-domain operations, therefore providing the capability for an improved battle rhythm for military operations in collaborative multi-domain warfare.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping, testing and qualification, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 40 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.

24. EDF-2026-DA-ACC-AIRDEF-EATMI – High-end endo-atmospheric interception

This topic aims to follow up and complement previous activities for the development of an endo-atmospheric interceptor by maturing key technologies required to successfully counter hypersonic and ballistic threats up to TRL 6. It should build on specific concept designs and advance the required technologies by developing dedicated demonstrators, e.g. for airframe, propulsion, platform separation, lethality, threat tracking and acquisition.

Management mode: Action implemented in indirect management by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.

Form of funding: Contribution Agreement.

Entrusted tasks:

Implementation of actual cost grants following a competitive call.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping and testing, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 100 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call and EUR 2 000 000 for the remuneration of the entrusted entity.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic.