Full-size demonstrators for next generation soldier systems

The EDF-2025-DA-PROTMOB-SS grant, part of the European Defence Fund, aims to advance the development of next-generation soldier systems through collaborative projects focusing on defense innovation. The grant emphasizes the inclusion of consortia comprising at least two legal entities from different EU Member States or EDF Associated Countries, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and startups through cascade funding, also known as Financial Support to Third Parties.

The funding mechanism primarily involves grants, specifically via actual cost grants and some lump sums. The total budget for this call is €35 million, with individual projects eligible for funding in the range of €1 million to €5 million. A minimum co-funding requirement of 20 to 35% is necessary to secure funding, which may cover 65 to 80% of eligible costs depending on the project specifics.

Geographically, the call is open to applicants from EU member states, EDF associated countries, and Ukraine, the latter being explicitly included in cascade funding. The target sector is defense, with a focus on soldier systems, force protection technologies, and mobility. Areas of innovation sought include materials for ballistic protection, textiles, electronic systems for communication, cyber security measures, AI, and various unmanned systems.

The grant is structured as an open call with a single-stage application process, opening on February 18, 2025, and closing on October 16, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time. It requires the submission of proposals aimed at developing prototypes and demonstrating new technologies under realistic combat conditions to assess their capabilities and effectiveness.

Successful proposals are expected to enhance EU defense capacity, encourage innovation, and foster collaboration among diverse entities, including industry, academia, and military test centers. The overarching goal is to promote interoperability in soldier systems through an innovative and modular architecture, enabling adaptability to various operational environments.

Additional support in the form of technical mentoring and non-financial assistance will be offered to third parties receiving cascade funding. This includes networking opportunities and guidance in navigating the defense sector, especially for new entrants.

This initiative seeks to leverage emerging technologies to improve the survivability, resilience, and functionality of soldiers on the battlefield, while reducing reliance on non-EU technologies and enhancing the industrial capacity of European defense capabilities.

This is a call for proposals under the European Defence Fund (EDF) focusing on the development of full-size demonstrators for next-generation soldier systems. The call, titled EDF-2025-DA-PROTMOB-SS, is a Development Action (EDF-DA) implemented via actual cost grants with a budget of 35,000,000 EUR. It follows a single-stage submission process, with the opening date on 18 February 2025 and a deadline of 16 October 2025, 17:00 Brussels time.

The expected impact of this call is to address the 2023 Capability Development Priority "Future Soldier Systems," provide standardized and harmonized solutions for EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries, develop innovative technologies adapted to soldier needs, enhance EU industrial capacity, reduce dependence on non-EU technologies, increase opportunities for smaller actors in the defence sector (including those not previously active), and promote technological edge in the field of force protection and mobility. It also aims to increase opportunities and future involvement for third parties participating in Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP).

The expected outcome is the support of innovation opportunities and enabling small companies to receive acceleration support and demonstrate innovative technologies relevant to soldier systems through financial support to third parties (FSTP, i.e., cascade funding). This aims to increase the opportunities for various smaller actors, including those not previously active in the defence sector, to adapt innovative technologies for soldier systems, which include a significant number of small elements such as for ballistic protection, load carrying systems, textiles/clothing, including smart textiles, requirement for light batteries, electronic equipment (e.g., for communication, situational awareness, GPS, various sensors, etc.), and to identify potential business opportunities in the defence sector.

The objective of this call topic is to develop the next-generation dismounted soldier system (NGDSS), finding synergies with existing topical EDF projects’ concepts and developments through an updated open-source architecture, as well as NATO efforts and the development of individual and networking capabilities. It aims to continue the development of a demonstrator and the underlying concepts, by increasing the technical maturity for the capability suites to enable evaluation under representative conditions, and to demonstrate a new level of innovative technologies and the capability to address new threats, in the perspective of the NGDSS. This should enable the EDTIB (European Defence Technological and Industrial Base) to design and promote a common, open, and innovative standard essential to the development of new equipment and subsystems for an interoperable solution.

The specific objective is to enable the EDTIB to design and promote an innovative and open standard essential for the development of new equipment and subsystems for an interoperable and sovereign solution for a NGDSS. Taking into account the lessons identified from recent conflicts, this call topic aims at addressing solutions in response to new threats, in particular those based on quickly adoptable civil technologies. These solutions should be applicable to urban and densely populated environments in temperate, cold, and hot climates. Certain individual solutions can be combined to achieve a collective effect at the platoon level. The main specific challenge is to increase the maturity of the different building blocks required in terms of survivability, sustainability, mobility, energy, observation, and lethality, and to improve the ergonomic integration and system reliability at the soldier system level.

The scope includes:

1.  Updating and further developing the European open and modular architecture for Soldier Systems, in the perspective of the NGDSS with possibilities of open-source interfaces for integration of technologies and networking (e.g., with Battle Management Systems).
2.  Detailed analysis of requirements for the NGDSS, including end-user perspectives view and observations from recent conflicts.
3.  Studying and designing a range of innovative technologies for new equipment, specifically focused on high intensity combat.
4.  Prototyping activities for the various hardware and software building blocks for individual soldiers and teams.
5.  Testing and evaluation activities for the integrated hardware and software building blocks for individual soldiers and teams.

The proposals must describe how entities with expertise on the relevant technologies know-how should be supported, including the proposed implementation conditions for FSTP. Recipients of FSTP that contribute to the technology development must receive financial support to prepare a sample of their technology, to attend and support the testing of their technological sample, and to technologically improve their solution. FSTP may also be provided to entities that contribute with analysis and measurement capacities, technology-specific expertise, innovative tools, or support the manufacturing of technology test samples or components necessary for testing. The proposals must include technical mentoring for the selected recipients of the FSTP as well as the set-up of additional measures to support the recipients of the FSTP business case.

Eligible activities include:

(a) Activities that aim to create, underpin and improve knowledge, products and technologies, including disruptive technologies, which can achieve significant effects in the area of defence (generating knowledge) No

(b) Activities that aim to increase interoperability and resilience, including secured production and exchange of data, to master critical defence technologies, to strengthen the security of supply or to enable the effective exploitation of results for defence products and technologies (integrating knowledge) Yes(optional)

(c) Studies, such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or upgraded products, technologies, processes, services and solutions Yes (mandatory)

(d) Design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such design has been developed, including partial tests for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment Yes (mandatory)

(e) System prototyping of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes (mandatory)

(f) Testing of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes (mandatory)

(g) Qualification of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes (optional)

(h) Certification of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes (optional)

(i) Development of technologies or assets increasing efficiency across the life cycle of defence products and technologies Yes(optional)

Mandatory activities include:

Studies: Update the use cases, with specific focus on high intensity warfare (e.g., in overstretched combat zones with a lack of personnel on the ground). Conduct detailed requirements analysis including end users view and observations made in current conflicts. Update the GOSSRA soldier system architecture including their interface descriptions for the integration of, but not limited to, extended interfaces with Battle Management Systems, anti-tank weapons and combat vehicles.

Design: Design and evaluate a new set of Proof-of-Concepts and technological demonstrators fulfilling the functional requirements. Design a set of innovative functionalities to create new capabilities, specifically focused on high-intensity combat, including but not limited to: Integration of new materials such as textiles for improved survivability, protection, and signature reduction. Improved integration of effectors (e.g., weapon systems). Capabilities to interact with highly autonomous unmanned systems (unmanned aerial systems – UAS and unmanned ground systems – UGS). Capability to detect, identify and contribute to neutralise disruptive threats such as UAVs in order to improve soldier protection and contribute to collaborative combat for a coordinated action. Cooperation with UxS-Swarms in different environments. Capability of collaborative combat with combat vehicles. Defensive cyber measures for soldier systems. Optimising power management by minimising energy consumption in a soldier system. Focus on efficient power sources, power management systems, energy-efficient equipment and data, communication optimisation and energy harvesting.

System Prototyping: Build prototypes for the soldier capability suites and devices: External augmentation of soldiers to counter the physical load induced by the carried equipment and supplies, for scenarios to be defined by the end users. Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), with UGS and UAS and including swarms of UxSs to fulfil ISTAR, force protection, and combat tasks, including protection against aerial threats. Integration with Battlefield Management Systems (BMS) enabling connection with existing and new technologies, e.g., unmanned systems. Integration of sensors and effectors with regards to human and machine interfaces for ease of usage (i.e., intuitive, easy operation). Build a full system prototype, based on the selection of the most mature Proof-of-Concepts.

Testing: Perform validation testing at squad and platoon level under representative combat and environmental conditions and against the functional requirements.

Concerning the implementation of the FSTP, the proposals must cover the following tasks: Screening and identification of landscape of suitable candidates from various sectors, including those that have not been active in the defence sector before, for the sub-calls organised by the consortium providing FSTP. Preparation of the call documentation to issue up to two sub-calls for FSTP. Organisation of up to two sub-calls for FSTP. Selection and award of recipients for FSTP. Providing technical mentoring for recipients of FSTP. Providing networking and cooperation activities between the EDTIB and third parties, as well as the establishment of additional measures to support the business case and innovative ideas of recipients of FSTP within the scope of the call topic. Providing recipients of FSTP calls with the necessary knowledge on doing business in the defence sector, in particular on IPR protection, IPR strategies, export control and other specificities of the defence sector. Describe how the support to recipients of FSTP may be contributing to any type of task within the proposal.

The proposals must substantiate synergies and complementarities with foreseen, ongoing or completed activities in the field of ground combat capabilities and Force protection and mobility, notably those described in the call topic on Force protection and advanced soldier systems beyond current programmes/Generic Open Soldier Systems Architecture under the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR), and the EDF call topics EDF-2021-PROTMOB-D-SS on Soldier Systems and EDF-2022-MATCOMP-SMT on Smart and multifunctional textiles.

Functional requirements for the proposed Soldier System and Capability Suites sub-systems include: a system approach including standardisation and harmonisation of system specifications and modular open architecture, to ensure system adaptability and interoperability in a cost-effective manner; enhanced individual soldier combat capabilities, with improved ergonomics and reduced physical load through an optimised Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C) approach; interoperability and enhanced networking capabilities, at/beyond the squad and platoon levels by implementing efficient Observation, Orientation, Decision and Action (OODA) loops and battlefield information sharing, including interaction with manned combat vehicles, unmanned ground and aerial systems and anti-tank weapons; enable operations indoor (e.g., urban terrain, subterranean), in confined space (e.g., trenches) and under GNSS denied conditions, while maintaining collaborative combat capabilities and resilient global situational awareness; develop disruptive solutions focused on reducing cognitive load on the soldier; provide a modular, open, scalable, and cyber-secure architecture with defined and standardised interfaces for different technology components and devices, including integration with non-autonomous and autonomous systems and subsystems, including future manned and unmanned capabilities.

The proposed soldier system and associated devices and capability suites should demonstrate: Interchangeability and interoperability, through the implementation of modular and standardised open architecture; an updated open architecture to be published for interface adaption by equipment vendors; advanced situational awareness with application of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), leading to an effective detection, reconnaissance and identification chain and improving decision-making process; improved survivability at soldier level, with high protection level facing a wide range of threats, including the latest emerging ones; high level of ergonomics integration at soldier system level, with reduced physical and cognitive load and improved comfort and mobility; accelerated OODA loops, at individual and collaborative levels with a low cognitive load; advanced smart engagement with possible application of AI to improve the effectiveness of the augmented soldier system; disruptive power management solutions to improve soldier ergonomics, lethality, and survivability by controlling power distribution allowing longer run times; robustness to meet the demands of the harsh military environments; compatibility with severe military environmental conditions; an embedded training capability to facilitate system usability on the field; a minimised logistics footprint through standardisation; optimised power consumption.

The FSTP specific requirements include that the consortium should: Organise one or two calls for third parties selecting target of minimum 5 and up to 10 entities per call, depending on the industrial landscape of the target domain, whereas each third party may be supported with up to EUR 60 000 for a maximum 6-months long acceleration programme that encompasses the associated tasks. Provide the third parties with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, technologies, capabilities, and products. Foster the possibilities for future involvement of these third parties in the European defence community. Provide a clear methodology allowing to measure the FSTP’s contribution to the innovation performance of the supported SMEs in the short-term, e.g., via indicators such as numbers of new or significantly improved products (goods and/or services), processes, new marketing methods, or new organisational methods, and to its impact on resource efficiency and/or turnover. Aim at a wider impact on innovation performance of the supported entities in the medium-term.

The proposals should clearly delineate the expected contributions from the main beneficiaries as well as from the recipients of FSTP, to ensure their coherence and impact. Concerning the organisation of FSTP, the proposals should include a description of: The method for calculating the exact amount of the financial support requested by the third parties. The payment arrangement options to third parties. The possible types of activities for which a third party may receive financial support. The potential results to be obtained. The roles and responsibilities of the consortium with regard of the management of FSTP.

The call aims to enhance European defence capabilities by fostering innovation in soldier systems, promoting interoperability, and supporting smaller actors in the defence sector. It seeks to develop the next generation dismounted soldier system (NGDSS) by leveraging emerging technologies and creating a more effective, resilient, and survivable soldier on the battlefield. The inclusion of financial support to third parties (FSTP) is a key element, designed to encourage participation from SMEs and start-ups, thereby creating a cross-border defence innovation network. The call encourages consortia to include a variety of entities, such as military or civil test centres, research institutes, universities, industry, certification authorities, accelerators, or incubators. The ultimate goal is to enable the EDTIB to design and promote an innovative and open standard for the development of new equipment and subsystems for an interoperable and sovereign solution for a NGDSS.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicants are a consortium of multiple entities. The consortia may include a large variety of entities, such as military or civil test centres, research institutes, universities, industry, certification authorities, accelerators, or incubators as well as other organisations that can play an important role to contribute for the benefit of the proposal. The call specifically targets SMEs, including start-ups, across the EU, EDF associated countries and Ukraine.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically an EDF Development Action (EDF-DA) implemented via actual cost grants. Financial support to third parties (FSTP, i.e., cascade funding) is included as part of the grant.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium of multiple applicants is required.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States, EDF associated countries, and Ukraine.

Target Sector: The target sector is defense, specifically focusing on soldier systems, force protection, and mobility. Technologies of interest include ballistic protection, load carrying systems, textiles/clothing (including smart textiles), light batteries, electronic equipment (communication, situational awareness, GPS, sensors), cyber security, AI, augmented reality, unmanned systems, and power management.

Mentioned Countries: EU member states, Norway, Ukraine

Project Stage: The project stage encompasses various levels, including development, prototyping, testing, and demonstration. The call aims to increase the technical maturity of capability suites to enable evaluation under representative conditions, including prototyping and testing of relevant soldier capability suites and devices.

Funding Amount: The budget for the EDF-2025-DA-PROTMOB-SS topic is EUR 35,000,000. Other related topics have varying budgets, ranging from EUR 25,000,000 to EUR 79,000,000.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant. The grant includes financial support to third parties (FSTP), also known as cascade funding, to support innovation opportunities and enable small companies to receive acceleration support. The selected third parties will also receive technical mentoring and other relevant acceleration services.

Application Stages: The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The indicative number of grants is not specified in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The need for co-financing is indicated in the provided documents, specifically in the "Cofinancing declaration (EDF DA, DA LS AND ASAP)" document.

Summary: This European Defence Fund (EDF) call, EDF-2025-DA-PROTMOB-SS, focuses on the development of full-size demonstrators for next-generation soldier systems. The call aims to enhance the effectiveness, resilience, and survivability of soldiers through the development of the Next Generation Dismounted Soldier System (NGDSS). It seeks to promote an innovative and open standard for new equipment and subsystems, ensuring interoperability and sovereignty. The call encourages consortia to include a variety of entities, such as military or civil test centers, research institutes, universities, industry, certification authorities, accelerators, and incubators. A key component of this call is the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), which aims to support innovation opportunities for SMEs, including start-ups, by providing financial support, technical mentoring, and acceleration services. The geographic scope includes EU Member States, EDF associated countries, and Ukraine. The call targets technologies related to ballistic protection, load carrying systems, textiles/clothing (including smart textiles), light batteries, electronic equipment, cyber security, AI, augmented reality, unmanned systems, and power management. The funding amount for this specific topic is EUR 35,000,000, with a single-stage application process and an opening date of February 18, 2025, and a deadline of October 16, 2025. The call emphasizes the importance of synergies with existing projects and the need for a modular, open, scalable, and cyber-secure architecture for soldier systems. The call also requires the organization of sub-calls for FSTP, selecting a target of minimum 5 and up to 10 entities per call, whereas each third party may be supported with up to EUR 60 000 for a maximum 6-months long acceleration programme that encompasses the associated tasks.