Quantum secured tactical networks

Quantum Secured Tactical Networks EDF-2026-RA is a European Defence Fund Research Actions call to design SDN-based quantum-secured tactical network architectures integrating QKD, post-quantum cryptography, PUFs, NFV, SDR and 5G/6G capabilities. Indicative budget is €14,000,000 with a funding rate of 100% for eligible research costs and an expectation to fund one proposal (more may be funded depending on quality and available budget). Eligible multi-beneficiary consortia must include at least three beneficiaries from three different EDF-eligible countries (EU Member States and associated countries such as Norway) and proposals must cover generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design only; prototyping, testing, qualification and certification are ineligible. Single-stage submission is via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, opening 11 February 2026 with a deadline of 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time, and applicants must comply with EDF security, ownership and financial requirements.

Quantum secured tactical networks — EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN

What the call funds

Research actions to design software-defined network technologies and solutions for a tactical network architecture that integrates quantum technologies (QKD), post-quantum cryptography, physical unclonable functions, SDR/SDN and 5G/6G capabilities for secure mobile/coalition military communications.

Who can apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EDF-eligible countries (EU Member States and EDF associated country provisions; Norway participation noted). Multi-beneficiary projects are mandatory for this topic; applicants include industry, research organisations and SMEs. Affiliated entities and subcontractors may participate under EDF rules; involvement of non-associated third-country entities is subject to guarantees and national approvals.

Funding and scope:Indicative budget €14,000,000 for this topic; research actions reimbursed at 100% of eligible costs. Targeted activities: generating and integrating knowledge, studies and design (no system prototyping/testing/qualification required under this topic). Security requirements (EU classified information handling, facility/personnel clearances) apply where relevant ¹.

1. 1Deadline and submission: single-stage; opening 11 Feb 2026; submission deadline 29 Sep 2026, 17:00 Brussels time
2. 2Expected number of projects: one proposal to be funded (more possible depending on quality and budget)
3. 3Main eligibility/administrative constraints: comply with call documentation (application form Part B page limits), EDF rules on ownership/control, financial capacity checks and possible security screening

Apply via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal entry for call EDF-2026-RA (topic EDF-2026-RA). See the call document, application templates and the EDF Programme Security Instruction for classified workstreams.

Footnotes

1. 1Full topic text, conditions and documents are published on the Funding & Tenders Portal: Topic page.

Quantum secured tactical networks — EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN

Programme: European Defence Fund (EDF) — Research actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2026-RA). Type of action: EDF-RA EDF Research Actions. Type of MGA: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG]. Opening date: 11 February 2026. Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Deadline model: single-stage. Status: Open for submission. Topic page: Funding & Tenders Portal EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN.

Indicative topic budget and expected number of grants:Indicative budget: €14,000,000 under call EDF-2026-RA. Indicative number of proposals to be funded: 1 (more than one may ultimately be funded depending on proposal quality and available budget).

Scope, Objectives, Activities, Functional Requirements, and Expected Impact

General and Specific Objectives

General objective: Enable quantum-secured tactical communications for military operations by leveraging software-defined networking (SDN) architectures that are agile, programmable, resilient to cyberattacks, and capable of integrating heterogeneous and advanced cryptographic and quantum technologies.

Specific objectives include: continuous SDN control of quantum-enabled networks; real-time intrusion and hacking detection using quantum principles (e.g., QKD); assessment and integration of mobile QKD nodes (e.g., UAV-based) and interoperable SDRs; exploitation of 5G/6G capabilities (network slicing, side links, IAB) with SDN/NFV for secure tailored services; definition of policies, QoS metrics, security standards for multi-domain and coalition scenarios; and practical key and node management in federated environments.

Technical Scope and Targeted Activities

The topic targets a network architecture framework and SDN solutions that unite quantum and classical communications for mobile, tactical, and coalition scenarios. The approach must combine QKD (free-space and space-based) with PQC and physical unclonable functions (PUFs), supported by SDN/NFV, SDRs, and 5G/6G features (including slicing).

Eligible and mandatory activity types under Article 10(3) EDF Regulation:Mandatory: (a) Generating knowledge, (b) Integrating knowledge, (c) Studies, (d) Design. Not eligible in this topic: (e) Prototyping, (f) Testing, (g) Qualification, (h) Certification, (i) Increasing life-cycle efficiency.

Mandatory tasks — Generating knowledge:Develop military scenarios and CONOPS where QKD, SDN, and SDR apply; catalogue specifications and standards for real tactical applications with mobility; develop a cyberattack model and threat catalogue against quantum-protected networks; apply security controls and hybrid schemes (QKD, PQC, PUFs) respecting operational and tactical constraints.

Mandatory tasks — Integrating knowledge:Specify integrated network security for tactical networks based on QKD, SDN, SDR, hardened with PUFs/PQC; develop integrated concepts for network and cyber situational awareness, including quantum-level attacks; develop a multi-SDN controller for integration and interoperability, including free-space quantum domains into end-to-end transport networks.

Mandatory tasks — Studies:Feasibility of new tactical networks including mobile QKD nodes (e.g., UAV-based) and optical ground stations; feasibility of satellite-based QKD interconnection to terrestrial networks; feasibility of 5G/6G slicing, side links, integrated access and backhauls (IAB) to enhance SDN/NFV for tactical networks.

Mandatory tasks — Design:Specify and design new tactical secure capabilities integrating IRIS2 and EuroQCI with dual-use perspective and stringent quantum-safe security (QKD, PQC) and crypto agility; detailed design of tactical networks using QKD in multi-domain environments; design and proof-of-concept for mobile QKD nodes (e.g., UAVs); develop demonstrators in tactical edge/deployable scenarios integrating QKD, SDR, SDN, and solutions based on PUF and PQC to show operational benefits.

Additional tasks to be addressed:Studies and design for evolution from fibre QKD to free-space QKD; satellite-based QKD study; additional physical security via PUFs and hybridisation with PQC; multi-SDN controller design; exploitation of UAVs as mobile QKD nodes for key delivery to SDRs; mission network architectures with enhanced transport-layer cyber defence and key management; thorough integrated security analysis aligned with red-black separation; application of 5G/6G slicing, side links and IAB; models for federated transport networks and key management services; SDN crypto agility to adapt to changing cryptographic needs.

Functional Requirements

• Hybrid SDN/legacy architecture with clear benefits for mission-critical applications in emergencies and tactical scenarios.
• Redundancy and resilience against cyberattacks, node failures, and link loss; rapid adaptation to topology changes and new node insertion.
• Centralised and/or distributed SDN architecture options enabling high flexibility and situational awareness.
• Use of quantum-safe protocols to physically secure tactical networks.
• Suitability for tactical environments and mission needs, grounded in end-user CONOPS.
• Support for secure network situational awareness and cyber situational awareness.
• Operation in tactical edge/deployable scenarios; demonstration of integration with intelligent SDN-enabled SDRs and efficient reception of QKD-generated keys.

Expected Impact

• Strengthened scientific and technological foundations for disruptive defence networking using quantum and advanced cryptography.
• Enhanced innovation capacity and competitiveness of the European defence industry, creation of new defence markets, and dual-use synergies (EuroQCI, IRIS2).
• Harmonised solutions for future military secure tactical networks across EU Member States and Norway.
• Progress towards technological sovereignty and reduced strategic dependencies of the Union.

Specific Topic Conditions

• Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory; specific consortium composition rules apply (see Section 6 of the call document Call document (EDF-2026-RA)).
• Equipment cost reimbursement option: depreciation only (see Section 10 of the call document and MGA).
• Financial support to third parties (FSTP) is allowed within the set ceiling (see Section 10 and Annex 4).

Who Can Apply and Under What Conditions

Eligible Applicant Types

Typical eligible applicants include: defence primes and large enterprises; SMEs and mid-caps; universities; research and technology organisations (RTOs); nonprofit research bodies; public bodies; and other legal entities established in eligible countries. Subcontractors, affiliated entities, and associated partners may participate under EDF rules when conditions are met.

Geographic Eligibility and Control Requirements

• Applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must be established in an EDF-eligible country, i.e., EU Member States and Norway as the current associated country (see Section 6 of the call document).
• Executive management structure must be in an eligible country. Entities controlled by non-associated third countries may participate only under strict guarantees compliant with Article 9(4) of the EDF Regulation and approval by the relevant Member State, using the Ownership Control Guarantee template Ownership control guarantee.
• Entities established outside the EU/NO cannot be beneficiaries/affiliated entities; they may exceptionally participate as associated partners without EDF funding under strict security and non-dependency conditions (see FAQs on non-associated third countries).
• Subcontractors involved in the action are subject to location, security and classification constraints (see Call document Sections 6 and 10; EDF PSI).

Consortium Requirement

Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory. As per EDF rules in Section 6 of the call document, consortium composition requirements apply (commonly at least three independent entities from at least three different eligible countries for research actions). SMEs and cross-border participation are encouraged; a consortium agreement is obligatory under EDF grants.

Funding Characteristics

Funding Type and Rate

Funding type: Grant. EDF Research Actions are reimbursed at a funding rate of 100% of eligible costs.

Co-funding Requirement

No co-funding is required for eligible costs under this Research Action (100% funding rate). National co-financing is not needed unless an applicant plans to cover ineligible or additional costs.

Nature of Support

Monetary grant support. Additional non-monetary support includes SME business coaching under EDF and the option to include Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) within the project to engage innovators and specialized expertise, subject to ceilings and rules in Annex 4 (typical maximum €60,000 per recipient unless otherwise set in the call).

Eligible Cost Rules and Key Financial Conditions

• Form of grant: budget-based mixed actual cost grant (with possible unit/flat-rate components if specified).
• Indirect costs: 25% flat-rate of eligible direct costs, or actual indirect costs if conditions are met and approved via Actual Indirect Cost Methodology Declaration Indirect cost methodology template.
• Equipment costs: depreciation only for this topic (no full-capital cost unless provided otherwise; see Data Sheet and Article 6.2 C.2 of MGA EDF/ASAP/EDIRPA MGA).
• Subcontracting must follow best value for money and conflict-of-interest rules; core tasks should not be subcontracted; subcontractors cannot lead WPs.
• Security and classification costs and PSI compliance apply where relevant EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI).

Application Process and Evaluation

Application Type and Stages

Open call via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Single-stage submission, single-stage evaluation. Start submission from the topic page; select type of action: EDF Research Actions [EDF-RA], MGA: EDF-AG.

Submission Materials and Templates

• Part A: Administrative webforms in the Portal Submission System.
• Part B: Technical description uploaded as a single password-protected ZIP (format and encryption per call document Section 11), following the official Application Form template Application Form (EDF) Part B template and guidance.
• Annexes and supporting documents (as applicable): Standard application form (EDF) (available in the submission system), Detailed budget table (EDF RA), Participant information (EDF) Participant information template, List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources Template, Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (if claiming actual indirects), Ownership control declaration and Ownership control guarantee (if applicable) Ownership control guarantee, PRS declaration (if Galileo PRS access is needed) PRS declaration.
• Model Grant Agreements and Annotated MGA, PSI, EU Financial Regulation, and Portal Online Manual are provided on the topic page.

Application Form (Part B) — Structure Outline

1. 1Project Summary
2. 2Excellence and Potential of Disruption: overall concept; compliance with objectives, scope, activities, functional requirements, expected impact; advantage and disruption potential.
3. 3Innovation and Technological Development: innovation potential; complementarity with previous/ongoing R&D; spin-offs.
4. 4Competitiveness (where applicable for RA per template): competitive advantage; growth acceleration; IP strategy.
5. 5EDTIB Autonomy (where applicable): autonomy; security of supply; Member State defence capability priorities.
6. 6Creation of New Cross-Border Cooperation (where applicable): new and planned cooperation; SMEs/mid-caps’ cross-border participation.
7. 7Implementation: work plan and WPs; tasks, resources and timeline; consortium set-up and management; QA, monitoring and evaluation; cost effectiveness and financial management; risk management; communication, dissemination and visibility; ethics and security.
8. 8Declarations: PESCO/SME/Mid-cap bonuses; PRS; international law; LAWS; background/results free from restrictions; spinning-in; previous activities; double funding; FSTP details.
9. 9Annexes: Detailed budget tables/calculator and any special annexes required by the call.

Evaluation, Timelines, and Success Rates

Evaluation and award criteria, scoring and thresholds are defined in Section 9 of the call document; admissibility, eligibility, financial and operational capacity checks per Sections 5–8. Indicative timeline is in Section 4. Success rates are not published; however, the topic indicates funding of one proposal (potentially more), implying strong competition.

Categorisation Answers — Structured Extraction

Eligible Applicant Types:Large enterprises and defence primes; SMEs and mid-caps; universities; research institutes and RTOs; nonprofit research organisations; public bodies; other eligible legal entities established in EU Member States or Norway. Subcontractors, affiliated entities, and associated partners may participate under EDF conditions. Startups are explicitly eligible under EDF FAQs, subject to operational capacity at grant preparation.

Funding Type:Grant (EDF Research Actions, 100% funding rate for eligible costs).

Consortium Requirement:Consortium required (multi-beneficiary applications mandatory). Consortium composition rules per Section 6 of the call document typically require at least three independent entities from at least three different eligible countries for Research Actions; a consortium agreement is obligatory.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and Norway (EDF associated country at the time of this call). Applicants must be established in eligible countries with executive management in an eligible country; ownership/control by non-associated third countries requires guarantees approved by national authorities. Entities from non-associated third countries may participate only as associated partners under strict conditions without EDF funding.

Target Sector:Defence; security/cybersecurity; ICT and communications; quantum technologies; software-defined networking; 5G/6G mobile networks; space-based and free-space optical quantum links (EuroQCI/IRIS2 context); cryptography (PQC, PUFs); UAV/drones integration; edge computing.

Mentioned Countries:EU Member States; Norway. The topic references EU initiatives EuroQCI and IRIS2; no other specific countries are named.

Project Stage:Research and design stages, including generating and integrating knowledge, feasibility studies, specifications/standards, design, and demonstrators/PoCs in tactical edge scenarios. Prototyping, testing, qualification and certification are not part of this Research Action topic.

Funding Amount:Indicative topic budget: €14,000,000. One grant expected to be awarded for this topic (potentially more based on quality and budget).

Application Type:Open call, single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Nature of Support:Money (grant). Additional non-monetary elements include SME business coaching under EDF. Projects may include FSTP to cascade small grants to third parties (innovators/specialists) within ceilings.

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

Success Rates:Not published. The topic foresees funding of one proposal for €14 million, indicating a highly competitive process.

Co-funding Requirement:No co-funding required for eligible costs (100% funding rate for Research Actions). Beneficiaries must cover any ineligible or additional costs themselves.

Compliance, Security and Templates

Security and Classification

• EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI) applies to handling of classified information and sets security procedures, roles and visit/transport rules.
• Security Scrutiny and classification may apply to outputs. EUCI handling follows Commission Decision 2015/444.
• PRS declaration template provided if Galileo PRS access is needed during the action.

Key Templates and Model Documents

• Call document (EDF-2026-RA) with Sections 1–13 and annexes Call fiche.
• Application Form (Part A/B), including technical template and annexes Application Form.
• Participant information form Template.
• List of infrastructures/facilities/assets/resources Template.
• Actual Indirect Cost Methodology Declaration Template.
• Ownership control declaration and guarantee Ownership control guarantee.
• PRS declaration Template.
• Model Grant Agreements EDF/ASAP/EDIRPA MGA and Annotated Model Grant Agreement (EU Grants AGA).
• EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI) Guidance.
• Portal Online Manual and terms Portal manual.

Key Administrative Conditions

• Admissibility (page limits/layout): per Section 5 of the call document; Part B format rules apply (password-protected ZIP; AES-256 as instructed).
• Eligible Countries: per Section 6 of the call document (EU Member States and Norway).
• Other Eligible Conditions: per Section 6 (including consortium composition and roles, associated partners).
• Financial and Operational Capacity and Exclusion: per Section 7.
• Evaluation and award processes and criteria: per Sections 8 and 9.
• Legal and financial set-up: per Section 10 (form of grant, funding rate, budget categories, reporting and payments, liability regime, certificates).
• Business coaching for SMEs is offered to successful SME beneficiaries.
• FSTP permitted in EDF-2026-RA; if used, the proposal must define the closed list of support activities, eligibility/award criteria, max amounts per recipient, and procedures (see Annex 4; typical cap €60,000 per recipient).

Portal Pointers and Support

• Topic page and submission: EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN.
• Calls overview: EDF-2026-RA call collection.
• EDF programme page, Info Days, tutorials, and EUDIS/FSTP information: EDF programme.
• IT Helpdesk and FAQs: via Funding & Tenders Portal (general and topic-specific FAQs).

High-level Work Content to Address in Proposals

• CONOPS-driven scenarios for quantum-secured tactical networks with SDN/SDR integration.
• Standardisation and specifications for mobile tactical QKD and SDN deployments; crypto agility roadmaps.
• Security architecture with hybrid cryptography (QKD+PQC+PUF) and quantum-aware cyber SA.
• Multi-domain SDN orchestration with multi-controller designs spanning terrestrial and free-space quantum domains.
• Feasibility of satellite QKD interconnection and 5G/6G slicing and IAB integration for tactical use cases.
• Design and PoC of mobile QKD nodes (e.g., UAV-borne) and demonstrators at the tactical edge; end-to-end key management and federated models.
• Compliance with red-black separation; resilience, redundancy, rapid reconfiguration; measurable QoS and security metrics for coalition operations.

General Summary

EDF-2026-RA funds one or more multi-country consortia to research and design quantum-secured tactical networks for defence. Projects must develop agile SDN-based architectures that integrate quantum key distribution across fibre, free-space and future satellite links; hybridise with post-quantum cryptography and physical unclonable functions; and leverage SDN/NFV and 5G/6G capabilities such as network slicing, side links and IAB. The action emphasises robust cyber defence, red-black separation, network and cyber situational awareness, and federated key and node management in multi-domain and coalition scenarios. Mandatory activities cover generating and integrating knowledge, feasibility studies, and detailed design and demonstrators/PoCs for tactical edge deployments; prototyping and testing in the sense of EDF’s development actions are not part of this research action. Functional requirements mandate hybrid SDN/legacy interoperability, redundancy and resilience against attacks and failures, rapid topology adaptation, quantum-safe protocols, fit for tactical CONOPS, and SDN-enabled SDR integration with QKD reception. Expected impacts include advancing Europe’s defence technological sovereignty in secure networking, harmonising future secure tactical communications across Member States and Norway, enabling dual-use synergies with EuroQCI/IRIS2, and reducing strategic dependencies. The topic budget is €14 million with an expectation to fund one proposal; funding is through 100% grants for eligible costs. Applications are single-stage via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and must strictly follow EDF security, eligibility, and financial rules, including depreciation-only treatment of equipment, security classification and PSI, and, if used, clear design of FSTP mechanisms. Templates for application, budget, participant information, infrastructure lists, indirect cost methodology, ownership control and PRS declarations are provided. Consortia should assemble strong cross-border teams of defence primes, SMEs/mid-caps, universities and RTOs with proven capabilities in quantum communications, cryptography, SDN/NFV, SDR, and 5G/6G integration, and align designs with operational end-user needs and standardisation paths.

Quantum Secured Tactical Networks - EDF-2026-RA-CYBER-QSTN

This call under the European Defence Fund (EDF) Research Actions programme funds the development of software-defined network (SDN) technologies for a quantum-based network architecture framework. The focus is on enhancing secure tactical networks for EU armed forces by integrating quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), physical unclonable functions (PUFs), network functions virtualisation (NFV), and 5G/6G network slicing. It builds on prior EDF R&D and contributes to STEP objectives in deep and digital technologies.

Key Objectives

The general objective is to create agile, flexible tactical networks resilient to cyberattacks, enabling integration of quantum technologies for real-time intrusion detection and higher trust in information sharing. Specific challenges include SDN control of quantum-enabled networks, mobile QKD nodes (e.g., UAV-based), 5G/6G slicing for secure services, and multi-domain interoperability in coalition scenarios.

Scope and Eligible Activities

Proposals must design SDN solutions combining QKD (free-space and space-based), PUFs, PQC with NFV, SDN, and 5G/6G. Mandatory activities include generating knowledge (e.g., military scenarios, cyberattack modelling), integrating knowledge (e.g., network security specs), studies (e.g., feasibility of mobile QKD, satellite QKD), and design (e.g., tactical networks, QKD mobile nodes). Prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and lifecycle efficiency activities are ineligible.

• Generating knowledge (mandatory)
• Integrating knowledge (mandatory)
• Studies (mandatory)
• Design (mandatory)

Funding Details

Indicative Budget:€14,000,000 for this topic under EDF-2026-RA call.

Funding Rate:100% of eligible costs for Research Actions (EDF-RA).

Number of Proposals:One proposal expected; more possible based on quality and budget.

Eligibility and Consortium Requirements

Multi-beneficiary applications mandatory. Eligible participants: legal entities (public/private, including SMEs, mid-caps, universities) established in EU Member States or associated countries (Norway), with executive management in eligible countries. Non-EU entities possible under strict conditions (guarantees per Art. 9(4) EDF Regulation). Consortiums must include at least three entities from three eligible countries. Associated partners allowed but cannot charge costs.

• Minimum three beneficiaries from three different eligible countries
• Ownership control declaration required
• Financial/operational capacity assessed
• Exclusion criteria apply (e.g., grave professional misconduct)

Timeline and Submission

Submission via EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Part B (technical description) as password-protected ZIP (AES-256). Application forms include detailed budget table, participant information, ownership control declarations.

Evaluation Criteria

• Excellence and potential of disruption (e.g., alignment with scope, innovation)
• Innovation and technological development (e.g., complementarity with prior R&D)
• Competitiveness (e.g., market potential, IP strategy)
• EDTIB autonomy (e.g., security of supply)
• Creation of new cross-border cooperation
• Implementation (e.g., work plan, risk management)

Functional Requirements

• Hybrid SDN/legacy architecture with redundancy against cyberattacks
• Quantum-safe protocols (QKD, PQC, PUFs)
• Suitable for tactical/mission requirements per CONOPS
• Integration with intelligent SDRs, crypto agility
• Operable in tactical edge/deployable scenarios

Expected Impact

Enhance EU armed forces' technological edge in secure tactical networks; improve cyber resilience; foster EDTIB competitiveness; support dual-use with EuroQCI/IRIS²; reduce strategic dependencies.

Key Documents and Resources

Call document: EDF-2026-RA. Application templates: Standard form (EDF), Detailed budget table (EDF RA), Participant information (EDF), Ownership control declarations. Model Grant Agreement: EDF-AG. Additional: EDF AWP, EDF Regulation 2021/697, PSI, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509.

Primary source: EU Funding Portal. Call document: EDF-2026-RA Call Fiche.

Security and Compliance

Proposals may involve sensitive/classified information; comply with EDF PSI. No specific site security for non-classified projects, but personnel security clearances for evaluators. Subcontracting <30% per beneficiary; no WP leadership by subcontractors.

Proposals must demonstrate synergies with prior projects like EDIDP-CSAMN-SDN-2020¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Details from call fiche and portal; subject to updates. Consult official sources for latest.