Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test

EDF-2026-RA (European Defence Fund Research Actions) finances the development of an engineering development model demonstrator to detect, track and classify hypersonic glide vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles using AESA hardware and AI/cognitive radar methods. The topic has an indicative budget of €20,000,000, reimburses 100% of eligible research costs, intends to fund one proposal, opens 11 February 2026 and closes 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time with submissions via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Eligible activities are generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design only (system prototyping, testing, qualification and certification are excluded), and multi-beneficiary consortia must include participants from at least three EU Member States or Norway. Proposals must include PDR/CDR-level design, demonstrator operation in representative environments, security compliance per EDF PSI/SAL, and the required Part A/Part B documentation and annexes with Part B submitted as a password-protected archive.

Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test — EDF-2026-RA-SENS-MSDT

What it funds

Scope at a glance

Development and field testing of an engineering development model (EDM) demonstrator for radar/multi‑domain sensors that detect, track and classify hypersonic glide vehicles and UAVs using adaptive waveform and AI/cognitive algorithms; activities are limited to generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design (TRL up to demonstrator level).

Indicative budget:€20,000,000 indicative for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call ¹.

Who can apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EDF eligible countries (EU Member States and Norway as an associated country). Multi‑beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic (see call document). Beneficiaries and subcontractors must have executive management in eligible countries; non‑eligible third country participants may participate under strict conditions and without EDF funding.

Key eligibility & administrative points

1. 1Action type: EDF Research Actions (actual cost grants), funding rate 100%
2. 2Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission; opening 11 Feb 2026)
3. 3Minimum consortium: multi‑beneficiary required (check section 6 of call document for composition rules)
4. 4Security: proposals may involve classified information; PSI and Security Classification Guide apply for handling EU classified information
5. 5Funding scope: studies, design and demonstrator (no full system prototyping, testing, qualification or certification under this topic)

What a successful proposal should include

An EDM demonstrator concept and plan that: demonstrates adaptive waveform-receiver/filter combinations supported by AI/cognitive methods; defines representative hardware/software architecture (AESA TRM, digital beamforming, data recording); shows database and validation roadmap for classification (HGV and UAV signatures); includes feasibility, risk‑reduction studies and representative domain testing in at least two environments (e.g. ground and sea clutter).

How to apply

Prepare and submit a single-stage proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using the EDF application templates (Part A generated in the Portal; Part B uploaded as password-protected ZIP). Follow the call document, model grant agreement and Portal Online Manual for admissibility, eligibility, security and budget rules.

Submission entry point: EU Funding & Tenders Portal Funding & Tenders Portal

Footnotes

1. 1Indicative topic budget as published in the EDF-2026-RA call fiche on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test (EDF-2026-RA-SENS-MSDT)

Programme: European Defence Fund (EDF), Research Actions implemented via actual cost grants. Type of action: EDF-RA (Research Actions). Model Grant Agreement: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG]. Opening date: 11 February 2026. Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Single-stage evaluation. Official topic page: Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test EU Funding & Tenders Portal topic page. Call document (full work programme and rules): EDF-2026-RA Call Fiche PDF.

Opportunity Objective and Scope

This topic targets the research, design and demonstration of an innovative, full-digital radar engineering development model (EDM) capable of detecting, tracking and classifying hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in complex, cluttered and contested environments. It emphasises cognitive radar concepts, adaptive waveform/receiver filter design, advanced signal and data processing (including AI/ML), ECCM robustness, large-bandwidth functions for classification, and integration with active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna technologies. The EDM must be mounted on a platform and operated in a representative environment covering at least two domains (e.g., ground and sea), with near-field antenna characterisation, data recording, and rigorous performance analysis.

Targeted activities (allowed/required under EDF Regulation Article 10(3)):Mandatory: Generating knowledge; Integrating knowledge; Studies; Design. Not permitted in this Research Action: System prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, lifecycle efficiency activities.

Detailed Work Content Requirements

Mandatory tasks: Generating knowledge:Research on target characteristics for HGVs and UAVs relevant to detection, tracking and classification; research on models enabling real-time adaptation of radar waveforms and processing to changing RCS of high-speed manoeuvring threats; research on databases to support cognitive approaches for classification and signature acquisition; latency analysis for remote versus edge processing of databases.

Mandatory tasks: Integrating knowledge:Analyse interaction and integration between AESA concepts and a cognitive radar module for detection, tracking and classification supported by AI or other novel techniques.

Mandatory tasks: Studies:Study future radar sensors with cognitive capabilities and classification; complete requirement specifications for the targeted sensor and the EDM; generate a roadmap for specialised AI algorithms and validation databases; study radar sensor characteristics and signal processing contributing to ISAR and micro-Doppler classification via AI; study AI techniques to improve target-type classification reliability and performance; perform feasibility study on system robustness in simulated scenarios; define a detailed case study for risk reduction; demonstration planning: by analysis for HGVs; in representative environment for UAVs.

Mandatory tasks: Design:Complete Preliminary Design Review (PDR) at module/component and system levels; carry out Critical Design Review (CDR) covering: (i) AESA based on digital TRMs under SWaP-C constraints, (ii) signal/data processing exploiting selected technologies; develop an EDM featuring: a representative AESA (rotating and stare modes, calibration, feasible TX power, thermal management); platform integration in representative environment; digital beamforming; signal and data processing for core radar functions and high-resolution/classification algorithms; capability for target signal injection (test targets) and data recording. Conduct near-field antenna testing to characterise Tx/Rx and auxiliary patterns. Operate/test the EDM in a representative environment over at least two domains; thoroughly examine recorded data and include a rigorous evaluation in the final report. Provide a clear plan for the subsequent full sensor development phase, including effort, schedule, spending profile and recurring cost estimates.

Functional requirements (the proposed solution must):Support RF sampling and digitisation at multiple carrier frequencies; follow a modular and scalable approach (digital TRMs); include innovative thermal management to increase mobility and reliability; apply cognitive radar approaches to radar function design; implement software-defined methodologies; provide large-bandwidth functions for classification; embed AI-based algorithms for classification; feature innovative cyber resilience and network-oriented architecture and design.

Expected impact:Advance radar architectures towards reliable, sustainable, low-cost, full-digital sensors and networks; equip EU Member States and associated countries with the ability to detect, track and classify challenging targets; implement cognitive approaches where AI-based algorithms underpin software-defined signal/data processing and wideband data links enable data mining support; demonstrate sustainability through spectrum-efficient multifunction designs with reduced emitted and absorbed power using new materials; reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union.

Synergies and complementarities:Proposals may build on and complement: EDF-2022-RA-SENS-ART and EDF-2021-RA-SENS-ART on Advanced Radar Technologies, targeting resilience to hypersonic and emerging threats and studying/designing next-generation radar classes.

Key Administrative Facts

• Topic code: EDF-2026-RA (Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test)
• Call: EDF-2026-RA Research actions implemented via actual cost grants
• Deadline model: Single-stage
• Opening: 11 February 2026; Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels
• Indicative budget for this topic: €20,000,000
• Indicative number of grants: One (potentially more, subject to proposal quality and available budget)
• Submission portal: EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Eligibility and Participation

Eligible Applicant Types:Eligible applicants are legal entities established in EU Member States or the EDF associated country Norway, with their executive management structure in these countries. Typical eligible types include SMEs, startups, mid-caps, large enterprises (primes and Tier-n suppliers), universities, research and technology organisations (RTOs), public research bodies, and other public or private entities active in defence technologies. Public bodies can participate; individuals are not eligible as standalone applicants. Subcontractors and affiliated entities are subject to the same establishment and control rules when involved in the action. Entities from non-associated third countries may only participate as associated partners without funding and under strict conditions ensuring EU security and defence interests; ownership/control by non-associated third country entities requires Article 9(4) EDF Regulation guarantees approved by national authorities.

Consortium Requirement:Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory. Under general EDF Research Actions, a consortium must include at least three independent entities from at least three different EU Member States and/or Norway. Additional specific composition rules may apply as per section 6 of the call document (e.g., SME participation, cross-border collaboration). Letters of support from Ministries of Defence are not requested for research actions. Partner search is available on the portal to build cross-border consortia.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and Norway. All beneficiaries and affiliated entities must be established in these countries and have their executive management there. Subcontracting and the use of infrastructure outside eligible countries are heavily restricted and, if exceptionally authorised, are not eligible for reimbursement.

Target Sector:Defence sensing and radar systems; aerospace/air defence; counter-UAV; hypersonic threat detection; electronic warfare/ECCM; signal and data processing; AI/ML for radar cognition; AESA radar hardware; cyber-resilient, network-oriented radar architectures; deep and digital technologies (aligned with STEP objectives).

Mentioned Countries:EU Member States; Norway.

Project Stage:Research, integration, studies and design culminating in an engineering development model (EDM) demonstrated in a representative environment (for UAVs), and performance by analysis (for HGVs). The maturity spans advanced research through detailed design, PDR/CDR, with representative-environment demonstration elements typically associated with mid-TRL activities. Prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification are excluded in this Research Action.

Funding Amount:€20,000,000 indicative budget for the topic; the Commission intends to fund one proposal, with the possibility of more depending on quality and budget availability.

Funding Type and Rate:Grant. EDF Research Actions reimburse 100% of eligible costs (actual cost grants). Indirect costs are reimbursed at a 25% flat-rate over eligible direct costs (or as actual indirect costs if the strict conditions and national authority acceptance are met). Equipment is reimbursed on a depreciation-only basis under this topic. Financial support to third parties (FSTP, cascade funding) is allowed within the set ceiling (typically up to €60,000 per third party as per the Model Grant Agreement).

Application Type and Stages:Open call via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Single-stage submission and evaluation. Part A (online forms) and Part B (technical description) are required; Part B and annexes must be uploaded as a single AES-256 password-protected ZIP file via the portal.

Nature of Support:Monetary grants covering eligible project costs. In addition, successful SME beneficiaries may receive non-monetary business coaching under EDF supportive measures.

Success Rates:No success rate is published for this topic. The topic is highly competitive, with an indicative single grant planned.

Co-funding Requirement:No co-funding is required for EDF Research Actions (funding rate 100%). Beneficiaries must cover any ineligible costs, costs outside the action period, and any expenses disallowed during grant preparation or implementation.

Cost Eligibility and Financial Specifics

• Eligible costs: actual personnel; travel/subsistence; purchases (equipment on a depreciation-only basis; other goods/services); subcontracting (limited and never core WP leadership); financial support to third parties (if planned and justified); internally invoiced goods/services (if using usual cost accounting practices).
• Indirect costs: 25% flat-rate of eligible direct costs (A-D categories, excluding subcontracting, FSTP, volunteers, and exempted categories) or actual indirect costs with national authority acceptance per EDF rules.
• Ineligible costs include return on capital/dividends, debt service, provisions, interest, exchange losses, bank transfer fees, excessive/reckless expenditure, deductible or refundable VAT, and any costs for activities carried out in non-eligible countries (unless exceptionally authorised but still non-reimbursable).
• Security and classification: Projects may undergo security scrutiny; specific PSI rules apply for any EU Classified Information. Personnel and facilities handling classified information must meet national/EU requirements.
• Ownership and IPR: Results belong to the consortium; background access rights and result use must be managed under consortium agreement and EDF IPR provisions; results must not be subject to third-country control or restrictions.

How to Apply

1. 1Prepare consortium: ensure eligibility, cross-border participation (at least three independent entities from three different eligible countries), and address ownership/control requirements.
2. 2Register all applicants in the Participant Register and obtain PICs. Complete SME/mid-cap self-assessments where applicable.
3. 3Access the topic page and start submission via the portal: EDF-2026-RA-SENS-MSDT.
4. 4Complete Part A (online forms): administrative data, participants, budget, ethics/security tables, declarations.
5. 5Prepare Part B (technical description) and annexes in the official templates (see Templates section). Assemble them into a single AES-256 password-protected ZIP as per call document instructions.
6. 6Observe page limits and formatting rules as stated in the Application Form Part B and call document.
7. 7Submit by 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Late submissions are not accepted.

Templates and Application Structure

Mandatory templates and annexes:Applicants must use the EDF standard templates available in the Submission System under the topic: Standard application form (EDF), Detailed budget table (EDF RA), Participant information, List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources, Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (for those opting for actual indirects), Ownership control declaration, Ownership control guarantee (if applicable), PRS declaration (if applicable), and the Model Grant Agreement. Guidance: EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement; Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual.

Part A: Online administrative forms (indicative outline):General information: topic, call, proposal title and acronym, duration, abstract, keywords, previous submissions; Participants: organisation data per beneficiary and affiliated entity; Budget: cost categories and requested grant; Other questions: ethics issues table and self-assessment, security issues table (EUCI, misuse, national restrictions), declarations (funding exclusivity, PESCO/SME/mid-cap bonuses if applicable), PRS questions if applicable.

Part B: Technical description (concise structure):1. Excellence and potential of disruption: concept, alignment with objectives/scope/functional requirements/expected impact, advantage vs state of the art and disruption potential. 2. Innovation and technological development: innovation content, complementarity with prior/ongoing R&D (defence and civil), spin-off potential. 3. Competitiveness: competitive advantage, market acceleration potential (defence focus), IP strategy. 4. EDTIB autonomy and security of supply, alignment with EU capability priorities. 5. Creation of new cross-border cooperation (including SMEs/mid-caps). 6. Lifecycle efficiency (n/a for Research Actions). 7. Member State cooperation (n/a for Research Actions). 8. Implementation: work plan and WBS, work packages (WP1 management as studies category; technical WPs mapped to generating/integrating knowledge, studies, and design only), milestones/deliverables, resources and budget, subcontracting, timetable, consortium structure and governance, project management and quality, financial management, risk management, communication/dissemination/visibility (subject to security rules). 9. Other: ethics and security. 10. Declarations (bonuses, PRS, international law, LAWS, background free from restrictions, previous PADR/EDIDP/EDF links, double funding, FSTP details if used). Annexes: detailed budget table/calculator (mandatory) and any special annexes required by the call.

Participant Information (annex structure):Per participant: legal data and role; PIC; establishment and executive management locations; description and task fit; key staff and operational capacity; up to 5 relevant projects; affiliated entities/associated partners description and justifications (especially if outside eligible countries or under foreign control) explaining security safeguards and non-dependency; site security clearances if classified work is foreseen.

List of Infrastructure, Facilities, Assets and Resources (annex):Detail all infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources to be used (offices, labs, production, equipment, software, IP, know-how), with precise locations. Declare any use outside eligible countries with justifications; note that such use, even if exceptionally authorised, is not reimbursable.

Actual Indirect Cost Methodology Declaration (if opting for actual indirects):Provide cost elements, calculation method, apportionment keys and bases, and adjustments to comply with EDF ineligible costs. Include examples of comparable defence projects accepted by national pricing authorities and obtain their compliance declaration.

Ownership Control Declaration and Guarantee:All applicants declare ownership and control situation. If under non-EU/NO control, submit guarantees per Article 9(4) EDF Regulation with national authority approval, ensuring no undue foreign control over the participant, access to sensitive information is prevented, and IPR/results remain free from third-country control.

PRS Declaration (if Galileo PRS is needed):If access to Galileo PRS is required for the action, obtain and submit a PRS declaration signed by the competent PRS authority confirming authorisations or the process to obtain them.

Evaluation and Award

• Admissibility: page limits and formatting per Part B template; complete, timely submission via the portal with correct password-protected archive.
• Eligibility: as per section 6 of the call document (eligible participants/countries, consortium composition, eligible activities, geographic location, duration, project budget, ethics and security).
• Award criteria: as per section 9 of the call; single-stage evaluation covering technical excellence, impact (including EDTIB autonomy and security of supply), quality and efficiency of implementation, cross-border cooperation and SME/mid-cap involvement.
• Indicative timeline: as per section 4 of the call document; single-stage evaluation followed by grant agreement preparation with possible security scrutiny.
• Security: Projects may include security classification; follow the EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI). For any EUCI, ensure personnel PSCs and facility FSCs where required, and comply with handling/transport/IT security rules.

Compliance, Security and Ethics Notes

• Hybrid country participation: Non-associated third-country entities cannot be beneficiaries/affiliated entities/subcontractors involved in action tasks requiring classified access or significant budget share; they may act as associated partners under strict safeguards without EDF funding.
• Subcontracting: Should not cover core tasks or WP leadership; inform the Commission of subcontractors known after submission during GAP; overall levels should remain reasonable and compliant with EDF rules.
• Data protection: Comply with EU and national data protection regulations (GDPR).
• Ethics: Address AI ethics, potential dual-use spillovers, and any environmental or safety considerations of RF emissions, data processing, and cyber operations; complete the ethics self-assessment in Part A.
• Security of results: Background needed for and results generated by the action must not be subject to control or restriction by non-associated third countries/entities; ensure export control and intra-EU transfer authorisations are planned where applicable.

What This Opportunity Is About (Summary)

EDF-2026-RA funds a European, multi-country research consortium to design and demonstrate an advanced cognitive radar EDM for multidomain operations. The system must tackle the most demanding sensing challenges: detecting, tracking and classifying manoeuvring hypersonic glide vehicles with rapidly changing RCS characteristics and a wide variety of mini/micro UAVs in cluttered, contested electromagnetic environments. Proposals must combine innovations in AESA hardware (digital TRMs, scalable modules, thermal management), software-defined radar functions, adaptive waveform design, AI-driven signal/data processing for ISAR and micro-Doppler classification, and robust ECCM and cyber-resilience. The work must progress through PDR and CDR to a fielded EDM operating in representative environments, with rigorous data capture and performance evaluation, and a credible plan towards full sensor development. This Research Action funds generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design at 100% of eligible costs; it explicitly excludes prototyping, testing, qualification or certification under this action type. The topic carries an indicative €20 million budget with the intention to fund one highly competitive, multi-beneficiary, cross-border consortium from EU Member States and/or Norway. Submissions are single-stage via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and must use official EDF templates, including a password-protected Part B archive. Successful projects will reinforce Europe’s defence technological and industrial base in deep and digital sensing technologies, reduce strategic dependencies, and provide the groundwork for next-generation, sustainable, full-digital radar architectures ready to counter hypersonic and UAV threats.

Useful Links

• Topic page and submission: EDF-2026-RA-SENS-MSDT
• Call fiche and rules: EDF-2026-RA Call Fiche PDF
• EDF programme overview and eligibility: European Defence Fund overview
• Online Manual: Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual

Multidomain Sensors Demonstrator and Test Funding Opportunity

Funding Overview

Call Identifier:EDF-2026-RA

Programme:European Defence Fund (EDF) - Research Actions implemented via actual cost grants

Submission Deadline:29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission)

Opening Date:11 February 2026

Total Indicative Budget:€20,000,000 ¹

Funding Rate:100% of eligible costs for research actions

Number of Grants:One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on quality of proposals submitted and budget available, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded ¹

Opportunity Scope and Objectives

This opportunity aims to support the development of an engineering development model (EDM) demonstrator capable of detecting, tracking and classifying hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The project focuses on addressing critical defence challenges posed by high-speed threats, particularly hypersonic vehicles with changing radar cross section characteristics, and the global increase in UAV use for battlefield intelligence gathering. The initiative seeks to demonstrate the maturity and feasibility of innovative radar technologies for future full sensor development, thereby reducing risks associated with subsequent operational deployment ²

Primary Research Focus

Proposals must investigate the application of innovative approaches, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive methods, to radar signal processing and waveform optimization. The core deliverable is an engineering development model mounted on a platform in a representative environment, capable of demonstrating detection and tracking performance for both hypersonic vehicles and UAVs. The EDM must incorporate active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) technology, digital signal processing based on innovative algorithms, and feedback loops between received and transmitted signals to maximize detection and tracking performance ²

Eligible Activities

This research action supports the following types of activities under Article 10(3) of the EDF Regulation: generating knowledge (mandatory), integrating knowledge (mandatory), studies including feasibility studies (mandatory), and design of defence products including partial tests for risk reduction (mandatory). The following activities are NOT eligible: system prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification ²

• Generating Knowledge: Research on HGV and UAV characteristics; models for adaptive radar waveforms; databases supporting cognitive approaches; latency analysis for edge processing and remote databases
• Integrating Knowledge: Analyzing interaction between AESA concepts and cognitive radar modules; AI-supported detection and tracking methods
• Studies: Future sensor studies; requirement specifications for the EDM; roadmap for specialized AI algorithms and validation databases; ISAR and micro-Doppler classification techniques; AI reliability improvements; feasibility assessment in simulated scenarios
• Design: Preliminary design review (PDR); critical design review (CDR); EDM development with AESA antenna, digital beam forming, signal processing algorithms, test target injection capability, and data recording features; antenna near-field testing; EDM operation and testing in representative environments covering at least two domains

Functional and Technical Requirements

The proposed EDM solution must meet specific functional requirements to ensure alignment with defence operational needs and technological advancement objectives:

• RF sampling and digitalization of signals at multiple carrier frequencies
• Modular and scalable approach including digital transmit-receive modules (TRM)
• Innovative thermal management solutions to increase sensor mobility and reliability
• Cognitive radar approach for the design of radar functions based on AI techniques
• Software-defined methodology for implementation of radar functions
• Large bandwidth functionality for classification purposes
• AI-based algorithms for specific applications such as target classification
• Innovative cyber resilience and network-oriented architecture

Consortium Requirements and Eligibility

Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic. Consortia must comprise legal entities (beneficiaries, affiliated entities) established in EU Member States or EDF associated countries (currently Norway), with their executive management structure located in these eligible countries. Each consortium must include participants from at least three Member States or associated countries ³

Eligible Participants:EU Member State entities, EDF associated country entities (Norway), public bodies, private companies, research organisations, SMEs, and mid-caps. Entities must not be controlled by non-associated third countries, though exceptions may apply with approved security guarantees. Entities from non-associated third countries may participate without receiving funding if they meet specific conditions ensuring EU security and defence interests

Exclusion Criteria:Entities subject to exclusion grounds under EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 are ineligible. These include entities engaged in grave professional misconduct, fraud, irregularities affecting EU financial interests, or violating EU values and fundamental rights

Funding and Cost Eligibility

The grant is provided as an action grant in the form of a budget-based mixed actual cost grant, reimbursed at 100% of eligible costs for research actions. Beneficiaries must provide adequate documentation proving costs were actually incurred and are directly linked to action implementation ⁴

Equipment Cost Treatment:For this topic, equipment costs must be declared as depreciation only, calculated on the basis of costs actually incurred and written off in accordance with international accounting standards and beneficiary usual accounting practices. Only the portion corresponding to actual use for the action during project duration may be taken into account ⁴

Eligible Cost Categories:Personnel costs (employees, direct contracts, seconded persons, SME owners), subcontracting costs (maximum 30% of total eligible costs per beneficiary), purchase costs (travel, subsistence, equipment, goods and services), indirect costs (flat-rate 25% or actual costs according to usual cost accounting practices), and financial support to third parties (allowed within call-specified ceilings)

Ineligible Costs:Ineligible costs include deductible or refundable VAT, return on capital and dividends, debt service charges, provisions for future losses, interest owed, currency exchange losses, bank transfer charges, excessive expenditure, in-kind contributions from third parties, and costs declared under other EU grants (except in synergy actions)

Key Deliverables and Milestones

The project must produce an engineering development model with documented performance against HGVs and UAVs, roadmaps for AI algorithm development, requirement specifications, design review documentation, experimental validation data, and a clear path for future full sensor development including detailed effort schedules, spending profiles, and recurring cost estimations ²

Expected Impact

Successful implementation of this opportunity is expected to contribute significantly to European defence capabilities and industrial competitiveness. The anticipated outcomes include developing radar architectures capable of meeting challenging requirements with reliable, sustainable, low-cost, fully digital sensors and networks; providing EU Member States and EDF associated countries with enhanced ability to detect, track and classify high-performing targets; implementing cognitive approaches where AI-based algorithms serve as theoretical basis for new sensors with software-defined architectures; showcasing sustainability through reduced emitted power and new materials; and contributing to reducing or preventing strategic dependencies of the Union ²

Application and Submission Process

Proposals must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal (Funding & Tenders Portal) in a single-stage submission process. The application consists of Part A (administrative information entered directly in the Portal) and Part B (technical narrative, budget details, and annexes submitted as a single password-protected ZIP file using AES-256 encryption) ⁵

Required Application Documents:Applicants must submit Part B containing: overall concept description, objectives and scope alignment with call requirements, innovation potential and disruptive advantage, competitiveness analysis, EDTIB autonomy contribution, security of supply improvements, Member State defence capability alignment, cross-border cooperation details, work plan with work breakdown structure, detailed work packages with tasks and deliverables, consortium setup description, management structures, risk management strategy, communication and dissemination plan, budget justification, and specific declarations regarding security, ethics, and compliance

Mandatory Annexes:Detailed budget table (beneficiary-level costs by category), participant information forms for all consortium members, list of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources to be used, actual indirect cost methodology declaration (if applicable), ownership control declaration, prefinancing guarantee (if required), and participant register data validation

Security and Confidentiality Considerations

Given the defence nature of this research, all participants must comply with security requirements specified in the Programme Security Instruction (PSI) and Security Aspects Letter (SAL). Beneficiaries must ensure their facilities have appropriate security accreditation levels if handling classified information. The project may generate EU classified information, requiring compliance with Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 and applicable national security regulations ⁶

Classification and Handling:The security framework for this action will be determined by participating Member States or, if no specific framework is established, by the European Commission in accordance with EU classified information rules. Beneficiaries must implement security procedures for protecting classified information including controlled access, secure storage, authorized transport procedures, and incident reporting mechanisms

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on excellence and potential for disruption, innovation and technological development, competitiveness and market potential, EDTIB autonomy contribution, security of supply improvements, creation of cross-border cooperation, and implementation quality ⁷

Excellence Criteria:Overall concept soundness and approach clarity, clear demonstration of advantage over existing radar technologies, ground-breaking or novel concepts previously not applied in defence sector, integration of existing knowledge avoiding duplication, potential for spin-offs to other defence applications

Competitiveness Criteria:Foreseen competitive advantage of the proposed solution compared to existing products, balance between performance and cost-efficiency, potential to accelerate company growth across EU, market size and growth potential analysis, intellectual property strategy strength and supporting competitiveness

Strategic Criteria:Contribution to EDTIB autonomy and reduced dependence on third countries, impact on European security of supply and supply chain strengthening, alignment with Member State defence capability priorities agreed within CFSP framework, new cross-border cooperation creation particularly involving SMEs and mid-caps, contribution to strategic technologies as defined in STEP Regulation

Grant Agreement and Implementation

Selected proposals will enter grant agreement preparation phase. The agreement will be based on the EDF Model Grant Agreement and will specify implementation conditions, reporting requirements, payment schedules, and monitoring procedures. Beneficiaries must comply with all obligations regarding proper action implementation, conflict of interest management, confidentiality, ethics, data protection, and intellectual property rights management ⁸

Prefinancing and Payment:Initial prefinancing is typically provided 30 days after grant agreement entry into force. Interim payments are made upon submission of periodic technical and financial reports (typically at 90-day intervals). Final payment follows submission of final periodic report with financial statements and supporting documentation. All payments are subject to proper documentation and verification of eligible costs

Reporting Obligations:Beneficiaries must submit continuous reporting on deliverables, milestones and outputs via the Portal tool; periodic technical reports describing action implementation progress; and financial statements detailing eligible costs by category. Final report must include all results, lessons learned, and clear pathway for future development

Key Dates and Timeline

Support and Guidance

The European Commission provides comprehensive support to potential applicants through multiple channels. National Focal Points appointed by Member States can guide applicants on national policies and opportunities. The Funding and Tenders Portal includes step-by-step guidance, frequently asked questions, and online manuals. EDF Info Days provide live information sessions and networking opportunities. Technical support for the Portal is available through the IT Helpdesk for issues regarding registration, access, submission functionality, and system access

Key Resources:EU Funding and Tenders Portal (primary submission platform); EDF Work Programme 2026; EDF Regulation 2021/697; EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509; EDF Model Grant Agreements; Call document with topic-specific conditions; Application Form templates; Detailed budget tables and calculators; Online Manual for Portal procedures; AGA - Annotated Model Grant Agreement with detailed explanations

Strategic Context and Relevance

This funding opportunity is strategically aligned with the EU's defence readiness agenda and technological sovereignty objectives. The focus on hypersonic vehicle detection and UAV capabilities addresses emerging threats identified as priority defence capability gaps across EU Member States. By supporting the development of AI-powered cognitive radar systems, the call contributes to the EU's goal of reducing dependence on non-EU defence technologies while fostering collaboration across Member States. The project outcomes will strengthen European defence industrial competitiveness and contribute to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) objectives in deep and digital technologies ²

Successful research under this call is expected to generate technologies and knowledge with dual-use potential, benefiting both defence and civilian sectors. The EDM demonstrator will provide critical de-risking for future full sensor development programs, reducing costs and technical uncertainties in subsequent operational deployment phases. The collaborative nature of the call ensures knowledge sharing across European defence capabilities and strengthens the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) through cross-border innovation partnerships

Footnotes

1. 1Call document section 3 and Data Sheet, Point 3. The €20,000,000 is indicative and represents the total budget allocated across all EDF-2026-RA topics under the 2026 Annual Work Programme with €110,000,000 total available
2. 2Call document section 2.2 EDF-2026-RA: Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test, including Objectives, Scope and types of activities, and Expected impact
3. 3Call document section 6 Eligible participants (eligible countries) and Consortium composition. Multi-beneficiary requirement and minimum three Member States/associated country rule from EDF Regulation 2021/697 Article 11 and call conditions
4. 4Model Grant Agreement Article 5 and 6, and specific topic conditions for EDF-2026-RA requiring depreciation only for equipment costs. Budget categories and eligibility detailed in Article 6.2 of MGA
5. 5Call document section 11 How to submit an application and section 5 Admissibility and documents. Application form structure and submission procedures detailed in EU Grants Application Form template and Portal submission system guidance
6. 6EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI) version 3 and Security Aspects Letter requirements. Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 on security rules for protecting EU classified information applies to all defence-related EDF actions involving classified information
7. 7Call document section 9 Award criteria. Evaluation based on cumulative assessment across excellence, innovation, competitiveness, EDTIB autonomy, cross-border cooperation, and implementation quality dimensions with minimum thresholds and scoring procedures defined in call conditions
8. 8EDF Model Grant Agreement (MGA) articles 7-18 detailing beneficiary obligations, responsibilities, and compliance requirements throughout action implementation period and post-project obligations