European Defence Fund 2021-2027

The European Defence Fund encourages and facilitates collaborative, cross-border research and development within the defense sector. It aims to bolster the EU's technological advantage, enhance capabilities crucial for the Union's strategic autonomy and resilience, and safeguard its citizens and Member States. In tandem with and enhancing Member States' endeavors, the Fund encourages collaboration among companies and research entities across various sizes and geographical locations within the Union. This collaboration focuses on advancing cutting-edge and interoperable defense technology and equipment through research and development. The Fund aids competitive, collaborative projects across the entire research and development cycle to impact European defense capability and industry significantly. It actively promotes the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative initiatives and nurtures revolutionary innovative solutions. Annual Work Programmes The EDF is implemented through annual work programs structured along 17 thematic and horizontal categories of actions, which have been shaped to remain stable during the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. In view of easing coordination between stakeholders, readiness, and predictability over the years, an indicative EDF multiannual perspective has been released. It gives an overview of the main expected outcomes per category of actions for the period 2021-2027. This multiannual perspective may be subject to annual updates. The EDF categories of actions are: Medical response, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) biotech & Human factors: the European defense industry often integrates civilian solutions into its military offerings. Given the intense competition, especially from US and Asian companies, and its impact on the defense priorities of Member States and Europe, consistent investment at the European level is crucial in this field. Emphasis is placed on the ongoing strategic development of capabilities, particularly in detecting, identifying, and monitoring CBRN threats, along with creating medical countermeasures for CBRN situations; Information superiority: this is crucial for every operation, encompassing the entire military decision-making process....