Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis

EDF-2026-DA is a European Defence Fund Development Actions call funding the design and demonstration of an AI/ML-enabled cognitive electronic warfare demonstrator for RESM and CESM signal analysis focused on naval platforms. The topic has an indicative budget of €24,000,000, is implemented as a budget-based actual-cost grant, and uses a single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applications must be multi-beneficiary consortia of entities established in EU Member States or EDF-associated countries (e.g. Norway) and comply with EDF eligibility, security and ownership-control requirements. Opening date is 11 February 2026 and the deadline is 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.

Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM CESM signal analysis

Call and funding snapshot

Essential facts at a glance

Call EDF-2026-DA under the European Defence Fund (EDF). Type of action: Development actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-DA, budget-based model grant agreement). Opening date 11 February 2026. Deadline 29 September 2026 17:00 Brussels time.

What the topic funds:Development and integration of a multiband, AI-enabled cognitive electronic warfare demonstrator for RESM/CESM signal analysis (studies, design and optional prototyping, testing, qualification and certification as relevant).

1. 1Target activities: studies and design (mandatory); integrating knowledge, prototyping, testing, qualification and certification (optional where applicable).
2. 2Operational focus: naval platforms, multiband spectrum management, collaborative sensors, AI/ML for signal detection/characterisation and countermeasures.
3. 3Security: project may involve classified information; facility and personnel security provisions apply.

Who can apply: multi-beneficiary consortia of legal entities established in EDF-eligible countries (EU Member States and EDF-associated countries such as Norway). Beneficiaries, affiliated entities and subcontractors must meet the EDF eligibility and ownership/control rules; participation of non-associated third-country entities is restricted and may require guarantees.

Indicative budget and award:Indicative topic budget €24,000,000. Indicative number of proposals to be funded: one (more than one may be funded depending on quality and available budget).

Funding rate and conditions: development actions use EDF baseline funding rates by activity (studies, design, prototyping, testing, qualification, certification) with possible bonuses (SME, mid-cap, PESCO and cross-border SME bonuses). Applicants must calculate applicable rates in the detailed budget table; WP1 project management must use the studies funding rate. Actual costs, depreciation rules and options for equipment reimbursement are specified in the call documents.

Selection priorities and deliverables: proposals should demonstrate AI/ML-enabled RESM/CESM signal analysis integrated into a cognitive EW demonstrator, multiband operation, spectrum management, multisensor fusion (including remote assets), CMS integration and TRL progression roadmap. Harmonised defence capability requirements and procurement intent declarations are required where design, prototyping, testing or qualification activities will be performed.

How to apply: submit a multi-beneficiary proposal through the Funding & Tenders Portal using the EDF Action Grant (EDF-DA, EDF-AG) model and the standard EDF application templates (Part A generated in the Portal and Part B uploaded as a password-protected ZIP). See call document, application form templates and Annexes on the Portal for admissibility, eligibility, security and financial documentation requirements.

Contact and support: for call-specific questions contact DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu and use the Portal helpdesk and online manual for submission guidance.

Enhanced cognitive EW system with intelligent RESM/CESM signal analysis (EDF-2026-DA-SENS-CEW-STEP)

Programme: European Defence Fund (EDF) — Call: Development actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2026-DA). Type of action: EDF-DA (Development Actions). Model Grant Agreement: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG]. Opening date: 11 February 2026. Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Submission: single-stage, via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Topic page.

Scope and Objectives

The topic aims to design and demonstrate an enhanced, cognitive electronic warfare (EW) system focused on intelligent radar electronic support measures (RESM) and communications electronic support measures (CESM) signal analysis. It targets AI/ML-driven cognition for faster threat detection, classification, response, spectrum management and autonomous decision support in electromagnetically congested maritime and multi-domain environments. The action must deliver a technology integration demonstrator that integrates an AI cognitive model with reference multiband RF modules, shows collaborative capabilities with remote assets, and interfaces with platform self-protection and combat management systems (CMS). It contributes to STEP objectives in deep and digital technologies.

Targeted activities and TRL ambition

Mandatory activities: Studies (feasibility, scenarios, operational concept, requirements, SWaP-C feasibility, simulations, performance indicators) and Design (interoperable and scalable open architecture, algorithms for spectrum optimisation and AI signal interpretation, conceptual and software design, modelling and functional testing in lab). Optional activities: Integrating knowledge, System prototyping, Testing, Qualification, Certification, and Increasing efficiency. The demonstrator should reach laboratory validation with functional testing and demonstrate multiband capabilities and collaborative functions. Overall maturity spans development, validation and early demonstration (typically TRL 5-6 for demonstrator testing supported by simulation in controlled environments).

Detailed technical work content (mandatory and optional)

• Integrating knowledge (optional): Review AI-in-EW state-of-the-art for naval use; identify promising technologies; define a roadmap and target TRLs, with a dedicated section on AI in EW.
• Studies (mandatory): Develop challenging and realistic multi-domain scenarios; define an operational concept and key performance metrics; specify minimum requirements for AI-driven ESM signal analysis; derive use-cases; identify and prioritise spectrum protection and EW resilience measures; study integration feasibility across naval platforms; assess SWaP-C reduction approaches; run simulations for multi-source data fusion and data management; define tasks and measures of effectiveness (MoEs).
• Design (mandatory): Establish an interoperable, scalable open architecture with standardised interfaces; design algorithms for spectrum management and AI-based signal detection, characterisation and jamming; prepare a modular concept design for future cognitive EW suites; define supporting hardware; design software for spectrum optimisation in congested/jammed environments; develop a conceptual model and algorithms; build an enhanced cognitive EW demonstrator integrating an AI model for RESM/CESM analysis; perform functional testing in a controlled laboratory environment with simulation support; analyse performance against MoEs; extrapolate to practical scenarios, exploiting multiband capabilities.
• Synergies (recommended): Ensure coherence with PADR-EMS-03-2019 (AEW/communications/EW via AESA), EDF-2021-NAVAL-R-DSSDA (Digital ship), EDF-2021-DIGIT-D-MDOC (Military multi-domain operations cloud), EDF-2021-SENS-R-RADAR and EDF-2022-RA-SENS-ART (Advanced Radar Technologies), EDF-2022-RA-SENS-CSENS (Covert Sensing), EDF-2025-DA-SENS-MB4DR-STEP (Multi-Band 4D Radar), and with EDF-2022-DA-NAVAL-NCS (Naval Collaborative Surveillance), EDF-2024-DA-NAVAL-FNP (Future Naval Platforms), EDF-2025-DA-NAVAL-DSNCC-STEP (Digital Ship and Naval Combat Cloud).

Functional and performance requirements for the demonstrator

• Scalable demonstrator suitable for multiple naval platforms and future frequency bands; open, interoperable architecture with standardised interfaces.
• AI-enabled identification of relevant/high-value data for command sharing; fusion of data from EW sensors, on-board systems (comms, navigation, radar) and external sources (ground units, intel centres, allied forces).
• Intelligent spectrum management; SWaP minimisation including reduced antenna count and emissions.
• Capability to generate and maintain emitter/platform signatures using real captures, physical simulations and validated synthetic samples for continuous AI retraining.
• Collaborative capabilities: cooperation with remote assets; fusion/improvement of detections from other sensors; precise multiplatform geolocation via TDOA; generation of countermeasures through distributed sensors (self-protection and electronic attack).
• AI automation across spectrum, emitter, situation, mission and decision levels; real-time parameter weighting and pattern recognition for threat classification and platform linkage; local/distributed computing for filtering and latency reduction; dynamic databases with measured ESM signals; real-time spectrum map (time, frequency, angle-of-arrival/position).
• Next-gen algorithms for interception and jamming (e.g. FHSS frequency hops, DSSS partial correlation); LPI/LPD waveform adaptation; full or semi-automatic modes with safety, traceability and human control constraints.
• Demonstrate readiness for: library generation and threat identification; danger estimation and countermeasure effectiveness (MoEs defined in design); advanced analysis of LPE radars; selection or partial development of modelling, verification, test and evaluation tools for hostile EM environment, EW chain and mission MoEs; simultaneous multi-band operation; accurate multi-static RF coherence and timing/frequency references for distributed sensing and countermeasures.
• CMS compatibility and use of standardised data formats for data sharing (e.g. STANAG 4559); methodology for secure access to representative data (national repositories, standard formats, simulated/sanitised data), balancing sharing and sensitive data custody.

Eligibility and Consortium Requirements

Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory. General EDF eligibility (see call document Section 6) applies, including establishment and executive management in the EU or associated countries and compliance with ownership/control restrictions and security requirements. For activities under point (d) Design, projects must be based on harmonised defence capability requirements jointly agreed by at least two Member States or EDF associated countries (or a joint intent to agree on them if studies are still needed). For activities (e) to (h) — Prototyping, Testing, Qualification, Certification — projects must be supported by at least two Member States or associated countries intending coordinated procurement or use, and be based on common technical specifications jointly agreed (or a joint intent to agree on them if design is still needed).

Eligible Applicant Types:SMEs, mid-caps, large enterprises (defence primes and suppliers), universities, research and technology organisations, nonprofit entities with defence R&D roles, and public bodies (e.g. government labs) established in EU Member States or Norway (associated). Subcontractors and affiliated entities must also be EU/Norway established, with executive management there. Entities controlled by non-associated third countries may participate only under Article 9(4) guarantees approved by national authorities; non-EU/non-associated entities may participate only as associated partners without EDF funding and under strict conditions.

Consortium Requirement:Consortium. Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic. EDF standard minimum composition (at least three eligible independent entities from at least three different EU Member States and/or Norway) applies unless otherwise specified in the call document Section 6.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and EDF associated countries (currently Norway). Entities must be established and have their executive management structure in the eligible countries. Associated partners from non-eligible countries may participate exceptionally without funding and under strict safeguards.

Funding Mechanics and Budget

Indicative topic budget: €24,000,000. Indicative number of grants: One (potentially more, depending on quality and available budget). Overall call envelope (across topics): €422,000,000.

Funding Type and Nature of Support:Grant. Budget-based, actual-cost reimbursement (with possible use of unit, flat-rate and lump-sum elements as per MGA). Beneficiaries receive monetary funding.

Activity-specific baseline funding rates (before bonuses):Studies (c): 90%. Design (d): 65%. Integrating knowledge (b): 65%. Prototyping (e): 20%. Testing (f): 45%. Qualification (g): 70%. Certification (h): 70%. Increasing efficiency (i): 65%. Project management WP must use Studies (c) funding rate. Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), if used, is reimbursed at 100% but organisation costs are reimbursed at standard rates by cost category.

Bonuses and maximum rates:PESCO bonus: +10% if developed in context of a PESCO project (confirmation required during GAP). SME bonus: up to +5% for non-cross-border SME cost share plus twice the cross-border SME cost share (subject to thresholds and definitions). Mid-cap bonus: +10% if ≥15% of eligible costs allocated to mid-caps. Overall maximum with bonuses: up to 100% for activities (b), (c), (d), (i); up to 80% for (f), (g), (h); up to 55% for (e). Beneficiaries claiming SME/mid-cap bonuses must have PIC and valid self-assessment results for current and two previous years.

Equipment cost eligibility:For this topic, depreciation and full cost for listed equipment may apply as per call document Section 10. Otherwise, equipment is typically eligible by depreciation aligned with use during the action. Exceptions may allow full capitalised costs for specified listed items; check Annex 2/2e of the MGA at GAP.

Co-funding requirement:Co-funding may be required depending on the activity mix and applicable funding rates after bonuses. A Co-financing Declaration is mandatory at submission for co-financers, including amount, availability timeline, process, and expected IPR-related return Cofinancing declaration template.

Application and Evaluation

1. 1Submission: Electronic, via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal — single-stage model. Topic page and submission entry point: EDF-2026-DA-SENS-CEW-STEP.
2. 2Timeline: Opening 11 February 2026; Deadline 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Indicative evaluation and GAP timeline in Section 4 of the call document.
3. 3Award criteria, scoring and thresholds: As described in Section 9 of the call document Call fiche (EDF-2026-DA) V1.1 – 17.03.2026.
4. 4Page limits and layout: Part B limits and formatting are defined in the Application Form and call document. Part B and annexes must be uploaded as a single password-protected AES-256 ZIP as per call document and Online Manual.
5. 5Admissibility, eligibility, financial and operational capacity, exclusion, legal and financial set-up: Sections 5–7 and 10 of the call document apply. Security scrutiny can determine classification of results and dissemination levels.
6. 6Success rates: Not specified for this topic. Highly competitive EDF calls; ensure strong compliance with eligibility, capability harmonisation, Member State support, SME/mid-cap participation and cross-border cooperation.

Security, IPR and Compliance

• Security: Compliance with EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI) and security scrutiny. Classified handling rules may apply (EUCI). National and EU classified information rules can govern background and results; facility and personnel clearances may be required depending on classification.
• Ownership and control: Ownership/Control Declarations and, where applicable, Ownership Control Guarantees are required to ensure absence of third-country control that would contravene EU security/defence interests Ownership control guarantee template.
• IPR: Results belong to the consortium; detailed ownership and exploitation terms must be set in the Consortium Agreement. Background access for implementation and exploitation to be defined. The Commission holds non-exclusive usage rights for policy and communication materials.
• Ethics and values: Compliance with EU ethical standards and values; ethics self-assessment provided in Part A/Part B; security and ethics issues may be scrutinised.

Financial Support to Third Parties (Cascade funding)

FSTP is allowed under this topic within the set ceiling defined in the call and Annex 4 of the call document. If used, proposals must detail the scheme: max amount per third party, calculation method, eligible activities (closed list), target recipients and selection procedures. Organisation costs are reimbursed in standard categories; support to third parties is reimbursed at 100%.

Target Sector, Domains and Keywords

• Sector/domain: Defence, naval and maritime systems, electronic warfare, RESM/CESM, signals intelligence, spectrum management, distributed sensing, CMS integration.
• Technologies: AI and machine learning for EW, RF/multiband sensing, data fusion, pattern recognition, jamming and countermeasures, LPI/LPD waveform adaptation, distributed timing and coherence, modelling and simulation.
• Cross-cutting: Deep and digital technologies under STEP; interoperability, standardisation (e.g. STANAG 4559), open architectures; SWaP-C optimisation.

Mentioned Countries and Geographic References

EU Member States and EDF associated countries (currently Norway). Standards referenced include NATO STANAG 4559 (ISR Library Interface).

Application Templates and Required Annexes

Applicants must use the EDF-specific forms available in the Submission System. Part A is structured administrative data; Part B is the technical narrative. Key templates and annexes include (all via Portal):

• Application Form (EDF) Part A and Part B structure and formatting rules EDF Application Form V6.0. Part B includes sections on Excellence and potential of disruption; Innovation and technological development; Competitiveness; EDTIB autonomy; Creation of new cross-border cooperation; Lifecycle efficiency; Member State cooperation; Implementation; Ethics; Security; Declarations.
• Detailed budget table (EDF DA) — required as Annex 1 to Part B.
• Participant Information form — for beneficiaries, affiliated entities, subcontractors involved in the action, and associated partners Participant Information template.
• List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources used for the action, with precise locations and security clearances where relevant List of infrastructures template.
• Cofinancing Declaration (mandatory at submission from each co-financer; includes amount, availability date, process timeline, and expected IPR-related return) Cofinancing declaration template.
• Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (if declaring actual indirect costs instead of 25% flat-rate; requires national pricing authority confirmation) Actual indirect cost methodology template.
• Harmonised defence capability requirements declaration (for projects with design activities; signed by competent Member State authorities; timing conditions apply) Harmonised capability declaration.
• Declaration on procurement intent and common technical specifications (for projects with prototyping/testing/qualification/certification activities; signed by competent authorities intending coordinated procurement/use) Procurement intent and common specs declaration.
• Ownership control declaration and, where applicable, Ownership control guarantee; national authority approvals may be required Ownership control guarantee template.
• PRS declaration (only if Galileo PRS access is needed; generally not expected for this EW topic) PRS declaration template.
• Model Grant Agreement (EDF/ASAP/EDIRPA MGA) — legal and financial provisions EDF/ASAP/EDIRPA Model GA.
• EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI) — security framework and classified handling procedures EDF PSI.

Administrative Conditions and Support

• Admissibility and format: As per Section 5 of the call and Part B instructions; Part B must be uploaded as a single AES-256 password-protected ZIP.
• Eligible countries and entities: See Section 6 (eligibility, consortium composition, geographic location).
• Financial and operational capacity, exclusion: Section 7.
• Legal and financial set-up: Section 10 (funding rates, cost eligibility, reporting, payments, liability regime, classified information rules).
• IT Helpdesk and Online Manual: Portal resources for submission, reporting and grant management.
• Contact: DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu.

Categorisation and Key Extracted Information

Eligible Applicant Types:SME, mid-cap, large enterprise, university, research institute, nonprofit, public body/government lab, NGO with defence R&D relevance, and other defence ecosystem actors established in EU or Norway. Subcontractors and affiliated entities must also be EU/Norway established; associated partners from third countries may join under strict conditions without funding.

Funding Type:Grant (budget-based, actual costs).

Consortium Requirement:Consortium (multi-beneficiary mandatory). EDF standard minimum cross-border consortium applies. Additional Member State support and common specs are required for activities (d)–(h) as described.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and EDF associated countries (Norway). Entities must have executive management in eligible countries.

Target Sector:Defence; electronic warfare; signals intelligence; spectrum management; AI/ML; RF systems; sensors; naval/maritime combat systems; digital/deep tech under STEP.

Mentioned Countries:EU Member States; Norway (associated country). NATO STANAG 4559 mentioned for standardised data formats.

Project Stage:Development, validation and laboratory demonstration (mandatory Studies and Design; optional prototyping, testing and qualification). Target demonstrator with AI-driven RESM/CESM analysis and multiband operation.

Funding Amount:Indicative topic budget €24,000,000; one proposal envisaged (subject to quality and budget). Funding rates per activity as per EDF DA rules with possible bonuses.

Application Type:Open call, single-stage electronic submission via Portal.

Nature of Support:Money (grant). Non-monetary elements include business coaching for SMEs and guidance via Portal resources.

Application Stages:1 stage (proposal evaluation leading to grant agreement preparation).

Success Rates:Not published for this topic. One grant is expected to be funded; competition is typically high.

Co-funding Requirement:Yes, where applicable based on activity funding rates and after bonuses. Mandatory co-financing declarations at submission. Potential coordinated procurement/Member State financial participation required for later-phase activities (e.g. prototyping/testing/qualification/certification) evidenced by declarations.

Practical Submission Checklist

• Part A completed in Portal; Part B prepared per EDF structure; upload Part B and annexes as a single AES-256 password-protected ZIP.
• Detailed budget table completed; correct activity-based funding rates and potential bonuses calculated (Annex 2/2e).
• Consortium Agreement preparation plan; Member State declarations: Harmonised requirements (for design) and Procurement intent/common specifications (for proto/testing/qualification/certification) as applicable.
• Participant Information forms; List of infrastructures/facilities/assets with locations and security clearances where needed.
• Co-financing Declarations from each co-financer; Ownership/Control Declarations and guarantees if applicable; Actual indirect cost methodology declaration if using actual indirect costs.
• Security considerations addressed; ethics self-assessment completed; classification levels anticipated; dissemination levels to be decided following security scrutiny.
• Standardised data formats and interoperability plans (e.g. STANAG 4559) and data availability approaches (national repositories, simulated/sanitised data) described.

Where to find more information and support

• Topic page and submission: EDF-2026-DA-SENS-CEW-STEP.
• Call document, award criteria, legal set-up: Call fiche (EDF-2026-DA) V1.1.
• Online Manual and Portal IT Helpdesk; National Focal Points; general EDF guidance and tutorials EDF programme page.

Summary: What this opportunity is about and how to explain it

This EDF development action funds a multinational consortium to design and demonstrate a cognitive electronic warfare system that uses AI and machine learning to analyse radar and communications signals (RESM/CESM), manage the electromagnetic spectrum intelligently and support rapid, robust threat responses in congested, contested environments. The project must produce an open, interoperable, scalable demonstrator that integrates AI with multiband RF modules, collaborates with remote assets, geo-locates emitters using distributed sensors and TDOA, and interfaces with a ship’s combat management system. Mandatory work covers realistic operational scenarios and requirements, detailed design, algorithm development, modelling and lab-based functional testing, with optional prototyping, testing and qualification activities. The action emphasises data fusion, standard formats (e.g. STANAG 4559), SWaP-C reduction and rigorous performance measurement via defined MoEs. Funding follows EDF Development Action rules with activity-specific rates and bonuses for PESCO links, SME and mid-cap participation. Applicants must comply with stringent eligibility, security and ownership-control requirements and, for later-phase activities, secure Member State support and common specifications. Proposals are submitted through the Portal in a single stage, using EDF-specific templates and annexes. In short, the opportunity will help the EU and Norway-based defence ecosystem deliver the next generation of AI-enabled, multi-platform, multi-band EW capabilities that are interoperable, scalable and ready for future naval and joint operations.

Enhanced Cognitive EW System with Intelligent RESM CESM Signal Analysis (EDF-2026-DA-SENS-CEW-STEP)

This funding opportunity under the European Defence Fund (EDF) Development Actions call supports the development of advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems for naval platforms. It focuses on integrating AI and machine learning into radar electronic support measures (RESM) and communications electronic support measures (CESM) for enhanced threat detection, suppression, and neutralisation in congested electromagnetic environments.

Programme and Call Details

Part of the EDF-2026-DA call for Development Actions implemented via actual cost grants. Type of action: EDF-DA (Development Actions). Model Grant Agreement: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based (EDF-AG). Single-stage submission process.

Key Dates:Opening date: 11 February 2026. Deadline: 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.

Indicative Budget:€24,000,000 allocated specifically to this topic. One proposal expected to be funded, though more may be selected based on quality and available budget. Overall call budget: €422,000,000.

Objectives and Scope

General objective: Develop next-generation cognitive EW systems using AI/ML to address complex threats in electromagnetic congested scenarios, particularly for naval operations. Specific objective: Demonstrate AI-enhanced RESM/CESM signal analysis in a scalable EW demonstrator for multiple naval platforms, contributing to STEP objectives in deep and digital technologies.

Targeted activities: Studies and design (mandatory), not excluding upstream/downstream development actions. Proposals must develop a technology integration demonstrator combining software/hardware for multiband RF modules.

• Review state-of-the-art AI in EW for naval applications and identify priorities.
• Develop scenarios for multidomain threats and operational concepts.
• Design interoperable architecture, AI algorithms for spectrum management, and cognitive EW suite.
• Build and test enhanced cognitive EW demonstrator with AI model for signal analysis.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Multi-beneficiary applications mandatory with specific consortium composition requirements (see call document section 6). Legal entities established in EU Member States or Norway (EDF associated country). Executive management structure must be in eligible countries. Non-EU entities possible under strict conditions with guarantees approved by national authorities to protect EU security interests.

• Admissibility: Proposal page limits and layout per call document section 5.
• Eligible countries: Detailed in call document section 6.
• Financial/operational capacity and exclusion: Section 7.
• Evaluation/award: Sections 8-9, single-stage process.

Funding Rates and Budget Categories

Budget-based actual cost grant. Baseline rates vary by activity type (studies: 90%, design: 65%, prototyping: 20%, etc.), up to 100% with bonuses for PESCO (+10%), SMEs/mid-caps. Equipment: Depreciation and full cost for listed equipment. Indirect costs: 25% flat-rate or actual costs. FSTP allowed within ceiling.

Functional Requirements

• Scalable demonstrator for multiband operation, minimising SWaP-C.
• AI for real-time signal analysis, threat classification, spectrum management.
• Collaboration with remote assets, multiplatform geolocation.
• Integration with combat management systems (e.g. STANAG 4559).
• Operation in congested/jammed environments.

Key Documents and Requirements

• Harmonised capability declaration (for design activities).
• Declaration on procurement intent and common specifications (for prototyping/testing).
• Ownership control declaration/guarantee.
• Co-financing declaration.
• Detailed budget table, participant information, infrastructure list.

Proposals must demonstrate synergies with prior EDF projects (e.g. PADR-EMS-03-2019, EDF-2021-NAVAL-R-DSSDA). Apply via EU Funding & Tenders Portal EU Funding Portal. Contact: DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu.

Evaluation and Award

Award criteria in call document section 9. Indicative timeline in section 4. Quality threshold applies. Successful proposals undergo security scrutiny for classification levels.

Expected Impact

• Technological superiority in naval EW, reducing third-country dependencies.
• Improved interoperability and scalability across EU platforms.
• Faster threat response via AI automation.
• Contribution to EU strategic autonomy and STEP digital technologies.

Call document: Call Fiche EDF-2026-DA. Primary source: Topic Details.

Footnotes

1. 1Detailed eligibility, templates and FAQs available on EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Security aspects governed by EDF PSI.