New turbofan engine

European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 call EDF-2026-LS offers lump-sum research grants (100% funding) with an indicative topic budget of €20,000,000 to investigate and design a new ITAR-free turbofan engine of approximately 25–35 kN for unmanned loyal wingman/UCAV applications; opening 11 February 2026 and submission deadline 29 September 2026 (17:00 CET). Proposals must be multi-beneficiary consortia with at least three independent legal entities from three different EDF-eligible countries, must spin-in results from prior EU civil R&D for which applicants hold exploitation rights, and mandatory activities are generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design (prototyping/testing/qualification are out of scope). Applications require a single-stage electronic submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal with a password-protected Part B and include strict ownership/control, security (facility and personnel clearance) and geographic eligibility requirements. Evaluation uses weighted criteria (excellence/disruption, innovation, competitiveness, EDTIB autonomy, cross-border cooperation, implementation) with an overall threshold of 30/45 and grant preparation and compliance checks before signature.

New turbofan engine — EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-ENERENV-NTFE

What it funds

Scope at a glance

Research action to investigate a new low-cost turbofan engine (approx. 25–35 kN) for unmanned loyal wingman/UCAV platforms. Work should cover generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design (no prototyping/testing/qualification in this topic). Engine must be compatible with kerosene, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel and address long-term storage, low maintenance, electrical power offtakes, security-of-supply and use of EU parts.

Indicative budget:€20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI call (several proposals may be funded) ¹.

Who can apply

Multi-beneficiary consortia are mandatory. Applicants must be legal entities established in EDF-eligible countries (EU Member States and EDF-associated countries) with executive management in those countries and must have the rights to use/integrate civil R&D results (spin-in). Natural persons are not eligible; associated partners and subcontractors have specific rules. Security, ownership/control and financial/operational checks apply.

Consortium minimum:At least 3 independent beneficiaries from 3 different eligible countries.

Grant modality & deadlines

Call: Spin-in EDF research actions (EDF-LS lump-sum research actions). Funding rate: 100% for research activities. Single-stage submission. Proposals must build on or integrate results from one or several EU-funded civil R&D projects (applicants must hold rights to use/commercialise those results).

1. 1Opening date: 11 February 2026
2. 2Deadline: 29 September 2026 17:00 Brussels time
3. 3Type of grant: EDF Lump Sum Grants (Research Action)

Key eligibility and practical points

1. 1Applicants must be legal entities established and managed in EDF eligible countries (EU Member States and EDF-associated countries).
2. 2Proposals must demonstrably spin-in results from EU-funded civil R&D for which applicants have rights to use and commercialise outcomes.
3. 3Security rules apply for any classified information; facility and personnel security requirements may be needed (see call documents).
4. 4Lump-sum format: detailed budget table used to set the lump-sum amounts; deliverables, milestones and reporting remain contractual requirements.
5. 5Consortium agreement is required; ownership and control declarations, and other mandatory annexes, must be provided at submission.

Application and full topic conditions, templates and security/ownership rules are in the call document and annexes on the Funding & Tenders Portal — use the topic page for submission and official Q&A Funding & Tenders Portal Topic.

Footnotes

1. 1Call-level indicative budget is €50 000 000 for EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI; €20 000 000 is allocated to the New turbofan engine topic. See the call document on the Funding & Tenders Portal for details and possible redistribution of funds.

European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 — New turbofan engine (EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-ENERENV-NTFE)

Programme: European Defence Fund (EDF); Call: Spin-in EDF research actions implemented via lump sum grants (EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI); Type of action: EDF-LS — Lump Sum Grants for Research Actions; Opportunity type: Call for Proposals; Portal topic page: EDF Topic Page; Call document: Call fiche EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI.

Key dates, budget and process

• Opening date: 11 February 2026
• Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission)
• Evaluation period: September 2026 to March 2027; information on results by March 2027
• Grant Agreement signature target: by 31 December 2027
• Call-level indicative budget: €50,000,000 (across two topics under EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI)
• Topic-level indicative budget for EDF-2026-LS: €20,000,000; several proposals may be funded
• Funding rate: 100% for Research Actions (lump sum grants); prefinancing typically 55% with possible additional prefinancing and interim payments per Grant Agreement

Topic scope and objectives

This spin-in research action targets concept and design studies for a new turbofan engine (approximately 25–35 kN dry thrust) suitable for unmanned loyal wingman and unmanned combat aerial vehicle applications. The engine must meet feasible military requirements, provide optimum thrust and electrical power capability, and be compatible with multiple fuels including kerosene and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The wider intent is to boost EU technological sovereignty, ensure an ITAR-free solution, and reinforce security of supply across the full lifecycle. The topic contributes to the STEP objectives in defence technologies and requires proposals to build upon or integrate results from previous EU-funded civil R&D (spin-in requirement) where applicants hold rights to use and commercialise the results.

Mandatory activity types (Article 10(3) EDF Regulation)

• Generating knowledge: Define user cases, scenarios, key requirements; establish baseline engine parameters and configuration; survey and compare EU civil and military engines in the 25–35 kN range (including synergies, ITAR restrictions, risks, and security of supply); strategies for security of supply, long-term storage and availability, reduced maintenance, decentralised depot support; strategies for reduced production costs and decentralised production.
• Integrating knowledge: Prepare technological and integration solutions for fixed-wing military propulsion systems, ensuring EU sovereignty; identify and incorporate civil/military advancements where appropriate.
• Studies: Mature technologies to achieve performance (including potential hybridisation/electrification) at affordable cost and with maintainability; assess scalability and dissemination to other aircraft/platforms (including hydrogen combustion or hybrid power plants); study new or adapted engine designs for loyal wingman platforms (including adapting an existing core); cost-benefit and maintenance-effort analyses per technology; streamline design, qualification and certification processes; study low-cost and novel manufacturing processes (including high-volume AM and innovative repair); investigate certification strategies for unmanned platforms across peace, crisis and war; study architectures to meet increasing electrical power demands (e.g. embedded generator/stator, distributed architectures) and trade-offs between civil certification effort and cost reductions through volume.
• Design: Design or adapt a propulsion system that meets topic requirements; use standardised architecture and interfaces with significant parts, devices and module reduction.

Optional tasks

• Study benefits and opportunities for applying developed technologies to other military, civil and commercial propulsion solutions, including hydrogen combustion or hybrid power plants.
• Provide scorecards on cost and performance trade-offs for different nozzle geometries.

Functional and performance requirements

• Thrust: ~25–35 kN dry thrust (no afterburner) covering the majority of the flight envelope; integration on platforms aiming at Mach 0.95 over major portions of the envelope.
• Fuels: Operate on kerosene and SAF (SAF per ASTM D7566 Annex; 100% SAF, drop-in and non-drop-in). The general scope also calls out compatibility across a range of fuels and qualities in various regions (e.g. Jet-A, JP, SAF, Avgas, Mogas) in the studies/tasks.
• Dimensions and metrics: Comparable to or smaller than the baseline engine; achieve specific fuel consumption and thrust-to-weight ratio better than baseline.
• Cost targets: Significant unit cost reduction versus comparable civil or military engines, through new processes, development and qualification concepts, novel manufacturing, innovative maintenance, high reliability/availability.
• Certification: Certifiable for military use including air-to-air refuelling; if advantageous for cost, availability and production levels, direct civil certification should be possible.
• Maintainability and storage: Reduced parts count with modularity for quick disassembly and access to any module within 2 hours; design for quick installation; long-term storage capability (e.g. containerised).
• Standardisation: Alignment with EDSTAR-referable specifications applicable to this engine type.
• Safety: Safety-critical features including automated restart across most of the flight envelope, at least during landing, take-off and below 5000 ft.
• Signature management: Support reduced detectability and increased survivability (very low IR and noise signature).
• Environmental alignment: Contribute to Green Defence with low environmental impact and low emissions/noise.
• Health management: Enable future integrated system health management and live data transmission; incorporate appropriate sensing and data connectivity for real-time health monitoring.
• Electronics and software origin: Use as many EU parts for complex electronic hardware and software as possible.
• AGI resilience: Resistant to armament gas ingestion, especially from internal weapon bays.

Spin-in requirement and synergies

Proposals must spin-in results achieved under one or several EU programme calls focused on civil applications, with the applicant holding necessary rights to use and commercialise. Proposals should explicitly map how those prior results will be integrated. Synergies should be demonstrated, including with planned/ongoing/completed activities related to EDF-2025-DA-ENERENV-APEM (Aircraft propulsion and energy management systems).

Why this matters and expected impact

• Deliver a versatile European 25–35 kN propulsion system that meets growing electrical power demands of UAS, including loyal wingmen.
• Provide low-cost propulsion with competitive lifecycle economics.
• Strengthen EU sovereignty by ensuring freedom from non-EU export controls (e.g. ITAR) and reinforce EU supply chains.
• Develop an autonomous EU industrial sector and cross-border cooperation (large groups to SMEs), enhancing EDTIB.
• Improve global deployment and sustainment for European forces.
• Advance civil–defence cross-fertilisation.

Eligibility, consortium and geographic conditions

• Consortium composition: multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory; minimum three independent legal entities (beneficiaries) from three different eligible countries.
• Eligible applicants: legal entities (public or private) established in EU Member States (including OCTs) and EDF associated countries; they must have their executive management structure in eligible countries and must not be controlled by a non-associated third country/entity unless approved guarantees are provided and accepted.
• Associated partners and subcontractors involved in the action: must also be established and managed in eligible countries and comply with ownership/control requirements. Associated partners from non-eligible countries may exceptionally participate without EU funding subject to strict conditions and granting authority agreement.
• Geographic location of activities and resources: Action activities and use of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources should be located in eligible countries; exceptional use outside eligible countries may be authorised under strict conditions but is ineligible for EU funding.
• Applicant roles: Beneficiaries and affiliated entities can be funded; associated partners are unfunded; subcontractors are allowed (limits and rules apply). Subcontracting should normally be limited and never cover core tasks.

Security, ownership control and compliance

• Ownership and control: All beneficiaries, affiliated entities, associated partners, and certain subcontractors must submit ownership control declarations; entities controlled by non-associated third countries must obtain Member State-approved guarantees to participate.
• Classified information: Projects may undergo security scrutiny; SAL and PSI apply. Facilities handling CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL or above require facility security clearance; staff accessing classified information require personnel security clearance. Rules for handling, storage, transmission, accreditation of CIS and TEMPEST may apply per PSI.
• Galileo PRS: If access is needed, a PRS declaration from competent national authorities is mandatory.
• Export controls and security of supply: Proposals must ensure results are not subject to non-associated third-country controls and detail lifecycle security-of-supply strategies.
• ITAR-free target: Survey and plans must ensure EU-sourced components and avoidance of ITAR dependencies wherever feasible.

What is funded and what is not

• Funded activities: generating knowledge, integrating knowledge, studies, and design. System prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and lifecycle efficiency activities are not eligible in this topic.
• Prototyping and testing are explicitly out of scope for this research action; design may include partial tests for risk reduction in industrial or representative environments only in the meaning of design under research actions.
• Projects must address one clearly identified defence product, solution, material or technology of interest.

Submission and evaluation

• Submission method: Electronic submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; single-stage. Part A online forms, and Part B plus mandatory annexes uploaded as a single password-protected AES-256 encrypted zip file. Password must be submitted before the deadline to the mailbox indicated in the call fiche.
• Page limits: Part B is limited to 100 pages (including work package descriptions).
• Admissibility: All mandatory annexes must be submitted using official templates; failure to comply can render proposals inadmissible or participants ineligible for funding in the action.
• Award criteria (weightings): Excellence and potential of disruption (x2), Innovation and technological development (x2), Competitiveness (x1), EDTIB autonomy (x1), Creation of new cross-border cooperation (x2), Implementation (x1); overall threshold: 30/45.
• Priority order for ties: Scores in Excellence, then Innovation, then Competitiveness, then Creation of new cross-border cooperation; then number of Member States/associated countries represented.
• Business coaching: Successful SME beneficiaries will be offered business coaching.
• Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP): Allowed within a defined ceiling; proposals must describe the FSTP scheme if used.

Financial model and cost eligibility — Lump sum grants (Research Actions)

• Form of funding: Lump sum per work package and consortium, fixed ex-ante based on a detailed estimated budget; payment is linked to completion of work packages and proper implementation, not to reporting of actual costs.
• Funding rate: 100% for Research Actions.
• Budget construction: Estimated budgets must respect standard EU actual cost eligibility rules when setting the lump sum amounts (especially for purchases and subcontracting: best value for money, no conflict of interest).
• Equipment: Depreciation-only approach applies for this topic.
• Indirect costs: 25% flat-rate on eligible direct costs or actual indirect costs with national authority-approved methodology (requires Actual Indirect Cost Methodology Declaration).
• Country restriction: Only costs for activities carried out in eligible countries are eligible.
• In-kind contributions: Allowed but cost-neutral (not reimbursable).
• Subcontracting: Should remain limited; for some EDF calls, specific limits apply; core tasks cannot be subcontracted.

Deliverables, reporting and payments

• Mandatory deliverables: Periodic progress reports; special report summarising results, basic principles, outcomes, properties, tests, benefits, applications and exploitation path for defence (without disclosing protected IPR).
• Payments: Prefinancing (normally around 55%), subsequent interim payments upon approval of periodic reports and completed work packages, and balance at project end; additional prefinancing possible depending on duration.
• Audits and reviews: Possible during and after the project; beneficiaries must retain records to substantiate completion of work.

Mandatory application templates and annexes

• Application Form Part A (online): administrative data, participants, summarised budget, declarations.
• Application Form Part B (zip PDF): technical description and work plan using the EDF template.
• Detailed Budget Table (EDF LS RA): basis for fixing the lump sum amounts.
• Participant Information (EDF): organisational description, key staff, up to 5 relevant projects; affiliated entities and associated partners details; subcontractors involved in the action. Template: Participant Information (EDF) template.
• List of Infrastructure, Facilities, Assets and Resources (EDF): precise locations, ownership, FSC where needed, justification for any elements outside eligible countries (note: such elements are not fundable). Template: List of infrastructures/facilities/assets/resources.
• Actual Indirect Cost Methodology Declaration (if opting for actual indirect costs): signed by participant and national pricing authority, including comparable national projects evidence. Template: Actual indirect cost methodology declaration.
• Ownership Control Declaration and, where applicable, Ownership Control Guarantees approved by the competent national authority for entities controlled by non-associated third-country owners. Template for guarantee: Ownership control guarantee template.
• PRS Declaration (if PRS access is required): PRS declaration template.
• Model Grant Agreement: EDF/ASAP/EDIRPA Lump Sum MGA.
• EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI): EDF PSI.

Part B technical structure (what to write and where)

• Project Summary: executive overview of objectives, approach and expected outcomes.
• 1. Excellence and potential of disruption: overall concept; compliance with objectives, scope, activities, functional requirements and expected impact; advantage and disruptive potential over existing solutions.
• 2. Innovation and technological development: novelty and ground-breaking aspects; integration with prior R&D (defence/civil); potential for spin-offs to other defence applications and products.
• 3. Competitiveness: EU and global competitive advantage; performance vs cost-efficiency; market analysis and growth potential; sales outlook inside/outside EU; IP strategy strength.
• 4. EDTIB autonomy: contribution to EU non-dependency; security of supply and new supply chains; contribution to Member State defence capability priorities (e.g. CDP).
• 5. Creation of new cross-border cooperation: new cooperation across Member States/associated countries; planned future cooperation; role and added value of cross-border SMEs and mid-caps.
• 8. Implementation: work plan and WBS; WPs and tasks (WP1 management as studies; one activity type per WP); milestones and deliverables; timetable; consortium set-up and management; quality assurance; risk management with impact/likelihood; communication, dissemination and visibility (consider security constraints).
• 10. Declarations: PESCO bonus (n/a here unless applicable), SME/mid-cap bonuses, PRS, compliance with international law (e.g. lethal autonomous weapons clause), background/results free from third-country control, spin-in details, double funding, FSTP details if used.

Who should apply — Categorisation

Eligible Applicant Types:SMEs, mid-caps, large enterprises, system integrators and propulsion OEMs; universities and research institutes; nonprofit research organisations; public bodies with relevant defence R&T roles; all as legal entities established in EU Member States or EDF associated countries with executive management structure in those countries and complying with ownership/control requirements. Associated partners may include additional entities (including from non-eligible countries) under strict conditions and without funding.

Funding Type:Grant — Lump Sum (EDF-LS) for Research Actions at 100% funding rate.

Consortium Requirement:Consortium. Minimum three independent beneficiaries from three different eligible countries. Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and EDF associated countries (currently Norway). Executive management structure must be in eligible countries; entities must not be controlled by non-associated third countries unless guarantees are approved. Activities and resources must be in eligible countries (exceptions possible but not fundable).

Target Sector:Defence aerospace propulsion for unmanned systems; energy and power systems for aircraft; advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing; sensor and engine health monitoring; electronics and software for engine control; hydrogen/SAF fuel compatibility; green defence and environmental performance.

Mentioned Countries:EU Member States (region); Norway (EDF associated country). FAQs and call documents also reference Ukraine ineligibility for beneficiaries under EDF. The topic refers to EU and NATO standards contexts (EDSTAR/NATO frameworks) but not as eligible geographies.

Project Stage:Research, studies and design stages with potential maturation up to technology demonstrators within design (design may include partial tests for risk reduction). Prototyping/test/qualification/certification are out of scope.

Funding Amount:Topic indicative budget is €20,000,000 with several proposals potentially funded. Individual project awards will be set during evaluation and grant preparation within the topic envelope. Funding rate is 100% for eligible lump sum contributions.

Application Type:Open call; single-stage; submission via EU Funding & Tenders Portal with encrypted Part B zip. Classified annexes, where applicable, must follow non-electronic secure submission arrangements agreed with the granting authority.

Nature of Support:Money (grants). Non-monetary components include business coaching for SMEs and optional FSTP cascade funding to third parties managed by beneficiaries.

Application Stages:1 stage (single-stage submission and one-step evaluation).

Success Rates:Not published for this topic. The call indicates several proposals may be funded but provides no historical or expected success rates.

Co-funding Requirement:Not required for Research Actions (funding rate 100%). Applicants must propose realistic lump sum budgets that comply with eligibility rules. National or private co-funding is not mandatory but may be used at applicants’ discretion.

Evaluation focus — how to be competitive

• Clear spin-in linkage: evidence of prior EU civil R&D results with legal rights to use and commercialise; concrete integration plan.
• Credible ITAR-free pathway and supply chain strategies across lifecycle; EU-origin CEH and software preference.
• Compelling cost-down levers: standardisation, modularity, AM, innovative qualification concepts, decentralised production and depot support.
• Robust multi-fuel/SAF strategy, environmental improvements and signature reduction consistent with Green Defence.
• Strong electrical power off-take and integration architecture; engine health monitoring and data connectivity.
• Feasible certification strategy for military and, if advantageous, civil use for economies of scale.
• Cross-border SME and mid-cap roles with substantial participation and clear added value.
• EDTIB autonomy impact: demonstrable reduction of third-country dependencies and creation of EU supply chains.

Compliance essentials and common pitfalls

• Do not include ineligible activities (e.g. prototyping, testing, qualification, certification) in the work plan.
• Ensure the Part B stays within the 100-page limit and use the official templates; upload all mandatory annexes in the encrypted zip.
• Declare ownership/control correctly and provide guarantees (and approvals) where needed before grant signature.
• Locate activities and resources in eligible countries; justify any exceptions (note these are non-fundable).
• If opting for actual indirect costs, include the methodology declaration signed by the competent national authority; otherwise the 25% flat rate applies.
• Subcontractors cannot lead work packages; core tasks cannot be subcontracted.
• If PRS access is required, include the PRS declaration; otherwise proposals can be found inadmissible or face issues in GAP.
• Align dissemination and communication with security requirements; obtain prior approvals for major communications.

Support, partner search and further information

• Topic page and submission: EDF Topic Page
• Start submission: Portal link from topic page; choose EDF Lump Sum Grants [EDF-LS], Model Grant Agreement [EDF-AG-LS].
• Partner search: Publish/search collaboration announcements via the Portal (requires login and public profile).
• Helpdesk and Q&A: DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu; Portal Online Manual and IT Helpdesk via the Portal.
• EDF programme overview and tutorials: EDF Programme page.

Annex — Quick-reference templates and outlines

General summary

This EDF 2026 spin-in research action seeks concept and design of an ITAR-free, cost-effective, multi-fuel 25–35 kN turbofan engine optimised for loyal wingman/UCAV applications, with strong electrical power offtake capability, maintainability, long-term storage readiness, low signatures, and alignment with EDSTAR and Green Defence. Funded activities include generating and integrating knowledge, studies, and design; prototyping/testing/qualification/certification are out of scope. Proposals must integrate results from prior EU-funded civil R&D where the consortium holds exploitation rights and demonstrate synergies with related EDF activities. The topic carries an indicative budget of €20 million, funds several projects at 100% via lump sums, and requires consortia of at least three beneficiaries from three eligible countries (EU Member States or EDF associated countries, currently including Norway), with stringent ownership/control, security and geographic rules. Applicants must submit a single-stage proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, including a password-protected Part B zip and all mandatory annexes. Evaluation emphasises excellence, innovation, EDTIB autonomy, cross-border cooperation (especially SMEs and mid-caps), competitiveness and robust implementation. Successful proposals will demonstrate a credible EU-sourced supply chain, modular and standardised architectures, advanced manufacturing and repair concepts, realistic certification pathways, and scalable applicability to broader defence and potential civil markets, all while evidencing a clear spin-in of EU civil research results and a plan to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base.

European Defence Fund 2026 Funding Opportunity Analysis

Opportunity Overview

Opportunity Title:New Turbofan Engine EDF-2026-LS

Call Title:Spin-in EDF research actions implemented via lump sum grants

Funding Programme:European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026

Opportunity Type:Call for Proposals with Lump Sum Grants for Research Actions

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Call Opening Date: February 11, 2026
• Submission Deadline: September 29, 2026 at 17:00 CET (Brussels time)
• Evaluation Period: September 2026 to March 2027
• Grant Agreement Signature Target: By December 31, 2027

Funding Information

Total Budget for Topic:€20,000,000

Maximum Grant Per Proposal:€15,000,000

Funding Rate:100% of eligible costs for Research Actions

Grant Form:Lump Sum Grant - a fixed amount based on estimated project budget, not linked to actual costs incurred

Number of Proposals to be Funded:Several proposals may be funded depending on quality and available budget

Project Scope and Objectives

This research action aims to investigate and develop a new turbofan engine in the 25-35 kilonewton thrust range designed specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles operating as loyal wingmen or unmanned combat aerial vehicles. The engine must meet all feasible military requirements and be capable of operating on multiple fuel types including conventional kerosene, sustainable aviation fuel, and hydrogen.

The project responds to a critical capability gap where no suitable European and ITAR-free engines are currently available for loyal wingman applications. The research must address key performance requirements including optimum thrust delivery, electrical power capabilities for varied mission profiles, long-term storage capabilities, and low-cost manufacturing approaches.

Mandatory Research Activities

• Generating Knowledge - developing potential user cases, key parameters for baseline engine configuration, analysis of existing European engines in the 25-35 kN range, identification of ITAR restrictions and security of supply issues
• Integrating Knowledge - preparing technological and integration solutions for propulsion systems, exploring integration of technological advancements from other civil and military projects
• Studies - studying and maturing technologies for specific performance at affordable cost, exploring scalability and dissemination to other military and civil applications, analyzing low-cost manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing
• Design - design or adaptation of propulsion system for loyal wingman platforms, ensuring standardised architecture and interfaces with significant parts reduction

Key Technical Requirements

• Thrust Performance: 25-35 kN dry thrust across the flight envelope with Mach 0.95 capability
• Fuel Compatibility: Operation on kerosene, sustainable aviation fuel to ASTM D7566 standards
• Dimensions: Comparable to or smaller than baseline engine with improved fuel consumption and thrust-to-weight ratio
• Cost Efficiency: Significantly lower unit cost than comparable certified civil or military engines
• Maintenance: Reduced downtime through modularity, quick dis-assembly capability, long-term storage compatibility
• Environmental Impact: Compliance with Green Defence initiative for noise and emissions reduction
• Security Features: Automated restart capability, reduced infrared and acoustic signatures, resistance to armament gas ingestion

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Participants

Participants must be legal entities established in eligible countries, which include EU Member States and countries associated with the EDF programme (currently Norway). Eligible applicants include public and private bodies, research institutions, SMEs, and mid-caps. Executive management structure must be established in eligible countries.

Consortium Requirements

• Minimum 3 independent applicants (beneficiaries) from 3 different eligible countries is mandatory for this topic
• Multi-beneficiary applications required - single beneficiary proposals will not be accepted
• Beneficiaries must not be subject to control by non-associated third countries unless approved guarantees are provided
• At least one beneficiary must have facility security clearance before grant signature

Exclusion Grounds

Applicants subject to EU exclusion decisions or in exclusion situations cannot participate. These include bankruptcy, insolvency, breach of tax or social security obligations, professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, money laundering, terrorism-related activities, or significant deficiencies in compliance with previous EU funding obligations.

Special Conditions for Spin-in Actions

This is a Spin-in call, which means proposals must build upon or integrate results achieved in one or several projects previously funded by another EU programme call with a focus on civil applications. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary rights to use and commercialize the results from these prior projects. ¹

The spin-in mechanism is designed to facilitate technology transfer from civil sectors into defence applications. Proposals should clearly describe in Section 10 of Part B of the Application Form how existing civil research results will be integrated into the engine development project.

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Proposals are evaluated on six main criteria, each scored from 0 to 5 points. The overall threshold score is 30 points out of a maximum of 45 points.

Proposals achieving the overall threshold will be ranked by weighted score. For proposals with identical scores, priority is determined first by Excellence and Disruption potential, then Innovation, then Competitiveness, then by number of Member States represented in the consortium.

Application Requirements and Process

Submission Format

• Electronic submission only via EU Funding and Tenders Portal
• Single-stage submission process
• Application Form Part A: Administrative information (filled online)
• Application Form Part B: Technical description (maximum 100 pages, submitted as PDF in password-protected ZIP archive)
• Part B and annexes must be password-protected using AES-256 encryption
• Passwords must be communicated separately to DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS-PWD@ec.europa.eu

Mandatory Documents and Annexes

• Detailed budget table for Lump Sum Research Actions
• Participant information including previous projects
• List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources
• Actual indirect cost methodology declarations (if applicable)
• Ownership control declarations for all beneficiaries, affiliated entities, and subcontractors
• PRS declaration (if Galileo Public Regulated Service access is needed)
• Certificates on financial statements (not applicable for lump sum grants of this type)

Key Application Content Sections

• Project summary (executive overview)
• Excellence and potential of disruption relative to existing solutions
• Innovation potential and ground-breaking concepts
• Market competitiveness analysis and IP strategy
• EDTIB autonomy contribution and security of supply improvements
• Cross-border cooperation plans and SME involvement
• Detailed work plan with work breakdown structure, Gantt chart or similar timeline
• Work packages, activities, resources and timing
• Consortium description and complementarities
• Risk management strategy with identified risks and mitigation measures
• Communication, dissemination and visibility plan
• Ethics and security considerations

Financial Management and Payments

Payment Structure:Prefinancing payment (typically 55% of maximum grant) followed by interim and final payments based on periodic reports

Prefinancing Guarantee:May be required, typically equal to or lower than the prefinancing amount, issued by approved bank or financial institution in EU Member State

Reporting Requirements:Periodic technical reports required with financial statements. Lump sum contributions must be approved in financial statements, but beneficiaries do not need to report actual costs incurred.

Indirect Costs:Eligible at 25% flat rate of direct costs or as actual costs if declared and certified by national authorities

Budget Categories and Eligible Costs

The lump sum grant covers all eligible direct and indirect costs for completing the research action. Beneficiaries must establish detailed budget tables showing estimated costs broken down by work package and activity type.

• Personnel costs (using average unit costs or SME owner costs where applicable)
• Equipment costs (depreciation method only, not full cost)
• Subcontracting costs (subject to 30% limit per beneficiary unless justified)
• Travel and subsistence (actual costs only, using unit cost option if available)
• Internally invoiced goods and services (using unit costs per usual practices)
• Indirect costs (flat rate 25% or actual costs)
• Financial support to third parties (allowed up to €60,000 per third party)

Ineligible costs include those for activities in non-eligible countries (unless exceptionally approved), activities already funded under other EU grants, costs related to use of assets located outside eligible countries, and costs violating the no-profit rule.

Special Provisions and Requirements

Security and Classified Information

This project may involve handling of classified information at EU RESTRICTED, CONFIDENTIAL, or SECRET levels. Beneficiaries must comply with Commission Decision 2015/444 on security rules for protecting EU classified information. A Security Aspects Letter will be provided after selection with specific security requirements and procedures.

At least one beneficiary must obtain Facility Security Clearance before grant signature. Personnel working with classified information must have appropriate Personnel Security Clearance. The specific security framework will be established either by the Commission or by participating Member States. ²

Ethics and Values

All project implementation must comply with highest ethical standards and applicable EU, international and national law. Beneficiaries must commit to respect basic EU values including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights. An ethics self-assessment must be completed during application.

Intellectual Property and Results

Beneficiaries retain ownership of results generated under the project. The granting authority does not obtain ownership but gains certain rights to use materials for policy, information, communication and dissemination purposes. Background information needed for implementation must be made available to all consortium members. Specific IPR rules are set out in the Grant Agreement.

Communication, Dissemination and Visibility

Beneficiaries must promote the action and its results through targeted information for multiple audiences. All communication activities must acknowledge EU support and display the European flag emblem with appropriate funding statement. A factually accurate disclaimer regarding views and opinions expressed must be included in all communications.

Data Protection

Beneficiaries must process personal data in compliance with Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and ensure data is processed lawfully, fairly and transparently. Personnel with access to personal data must be bound by confidentiality obligations.

Consortium Management and Coordination

A consortium agreement is required for multi-beneficiary projects and must be established before grant signature. The agreement should cover internal organisation, management of Portal access, distribution of payments and financial responsibilities, rights on background and results, settlement of internal disputes, and liability arrangements.

One beneficiary must serve as coordinator with responsibility for monitoring proper action implementation, acting as intermediary with granting authority, distributing payments to other beneficiaries, and ensuring compliance with all obligations. Coordinators cannot subcontract core management tasks but may delegate administrative tasks if they are public bodies.

Support and Resources

Help and Guidance:Non-IT questions should be directed to DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu

IT Support:Contact the IT Helpdesk for issues related to Portal access, forgotten passwords, technical submission problems

Documentation:Online Manual available on Portal, Application Form templates, Model Grant Agreement, EDF Regulation 2021/697, and EDF Programme Security Instruction

National Focal Points:Nominated by EU Member States to provide local guidance on EDF opportunities and partner identification

Key Strategic Context

This opportunity contributes to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) objectives in the defence technologies target investment area. It aligns with EU strategic autonomy goals by reducing dependency on non-European suppliers and strengthening the European defence industrial and technological base. The project supports common defence capability priorities established by Member States within the Common Foreign and Security Policy framework and contributes to the Capability Development Plan.

The research action is part of a broader 2026 EDF programme allocating approximately €1 billion to collaborative defence R&D. The budget supports projects across major capability domains including air and missile defence, ground combat systems, naval capabilities, and digital transformation technologies essential for European defence readiness.

Important Notices and Restrictions

• Applicants should submit well in advance of deadline to avoid last-minute technical problems
• Call deadlines cannot be extended
• Proposals may be changed and resubmitted until the deadline
• Applications not complying with call conditions will be rejected
• Projects involving lethal autonomous weapons without meaningful human control are excluded
• Background and results must not be subject to control or restriction by non-associated third countries
• No cumulation of funding from multiple EU sources allowed except for approved Synergy actions
• Transparency regarding grant awards will be published annually on Europa website

For classified proposals, applicants must contact DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu well in advance to arrange special delivery procedures for classified documents. Such documents must never be submitted through the standard online Portal system.

Grant Agreement and Compliance

Selected proposals will be invited for grant preparation phase where technical and financial aspects may be refined. Final grant signature requires compliance with all conditions including legal entity validation, financial capacity verification, exclusion checks, security clearances, and ownership control assessment. The granting authority retains rights to carry out checks, reviews, audits and investigations both during and after project implementation for five years following final payment.

Record-keeping obligations require beneficiaries to maintain records demonstrating proper implementation for at least five years after final payment (or three years for grants not exceeding €60,000). Beneficiaries must immediately inform the granting authority of any events or circumstances likely to significantly affect or delay project implementation.

Footnotes

1. 1Spin-in results must originate from projects funded under EU programmes with focus on civil applications such as Horizon Europe, Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, or similar programmes. Projects funded by European Regional Development Fund or other sources may require specific assessment. Applicants should clearly document the source and status of any prior funded research being integrated.
2. 2The specific security framework for this project will be determined either by the European Commission in accordance with Commission Decision 2015/444 or by the participating Member States if they establish their own specific security framework. The applicable procedures will be detailed in a Security Aspects Letter that becomes integral to the Grant Agreement. All beneficiaries must comply with these security requirements throughout project implementation.