Self-protection systems

EDF-2026-DA is a European Defence Fund development call to support collaborative development of next-generation modular self-protection systems for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to increase survivability against direct and indirect threats. The topic has an indicative budget of €24,000,000 and requires single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Mandatory activities include studies and design, with optional prototyping, testing, qualification and certification, and proposals must be submitted by multi-beneficiary consortia from EU Member States or EDF-associated countries (Norway). The action is subject to strict security conditions, including handling of EU classified information, facility and personnel clearances, and compliance with the EDF Programme Security Instruction.

Opportunity Overview — Self-protection systems (EDF-2026-DA-AIR-SPS)

What it funds

Scope and activities

Development of next-generation modular self-protection systems for fixed- and rotary-wing military and non-combat aircraft. Focus areas: automatic coordination of countermeasures, multi-sensor threat detection and classification, protection against direct and indirect threats, collaborative protection with other platforms, data protection and open architecture for interoperability.

Targeted activities:Design, system prototyping, testing and qualification (including related upstream/downstream development activities).

Who can apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States or EDF-associated countries (Norway listed among associated countries). Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory. Beneficiaries, affiliated entities and subcontractors must meet EDF security, ownership/control and financial capacity rules; associated partners may participate without charging costs. Non-associated third-country participation is restricted and may require guarantees.

Eligibility highlights

1. 1Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries and listed in the Participant Register (PIC).
2. 2Consortium must meet EDF rules on number and nationality of partners; specific PESCO, SME and mid-cap bonuses may apply to funding rates.
3. 3Security requirements apply for classified information handling; facility and personnel clearances may be needed for higher classification levels.

Practical details

Call: EDF-2026-DA — Development actions implemented via actual cost grants. Single-stage submission. Opening date 11 February 2026. Deadline 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

Funding and form:Budget-based action grant (actual costs). Baseline funding rates depend on activity type (design, prototyping, testing, qualification) and may be increased by bonuses (PESCO, SME, mid-cap). See call for exact rate calculation ¹.

How to apply & support

Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using the EDF-DA application templates and annexes (Application Form Part B and required declarations). Read the Call Document, Model Grant Agreement and PSI (security) before preparing proposals.

1. 1Register organisations and obtain PIC on the Participant Portal.
2. 2Prepare Part A in the Submission System and upload Part B as password-protected zip following page limits.
3. 3Attach mandatory annexes: detailed budget table, participant information, ownership/FDI declarations and any required security documentation.

Help and contacts: DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu and the Funding & Tenders Portal Helpdesk. Partner search features are available on the Portal.

Footnotes

1. 1Detailed funding rates, bonuses and eligibility rules are set in the EDF Call Document and Annexes available on the Funding & Tenders Portal EDF Call documents.

European Defence Fund 2026 — Self-protection systems (EDF-2026-DA-AIR-SPS)

Programme: European Defence Fund (EDF). Call family: Development actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2026-DA). Type of action: EDF-DA (EDF Development Actions). Model Grant Agreement: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG].

Status and timeline:Open for submission. Opening date: 11 February 2026. Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Topic page — EDF-2026-DA-AIR-SPS.

Topic budget and expected grants:Indicative topic budget: €24,000,000. Indicative number of grants: One proposal is expected to be funded; more than one may be awarded depending on proposal quality and budget availability.

Scope and objectives

Aim: Follow up and complement previous activities towards the next generation of aircraft self-protection systems to increase survivability of fixed wing and rotary wing, combat or non-combat aircraft in hostile environments. The topic prioritises modular integration on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, protection against direct and indirect threats, open architecture and international standards, protection of sensitive data, and compatibility with other platforms.

• Key operational features: automatic coordination of countermeasures; threat detection and classification; operation in complex, congested electromagnetic environments.
• Indirect threat handling: intelligence gathering, disruption of enemy tracking, collaborative protection with other platforms.
• Strategic contribution: Supports STEP objectives in the defence technologies investment area.

Mandatory and eligible activities

Targeted activities include design, system prototyping, testing and qualification; upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions may also be included. The call is a Development Action based on actual costs under the EDF Regulation funding framework.

• Design (mandatory): definition of open, modular, interoperable system architecture; algorithms for spectrum management; conceptual and detailed design of hardware and software supporting enhanced self-protection and EW functions.
• System prototyping (eligible): build demonstrators capable of operating in complex EM environments, integrating AI models for detection, classification and response coordination.
• Testing (eligible): functional and laboratory testing in controlled environments and via simulations; validation against measures of effectiveness.
• Qualification (eligible): qualification processes demonstrating compliance with specified requirements for defence products/components/technology.

Technical focus and functional requirements

• Modular integration with fixed and rotary wing aircraft; compatibility across platforms via open architecture and international standards.
• Automatic countermeasure coordination; high-performance threat detection and classification; robust operation under interference, jamming, and complex EM congestion.
• For indirect threats: intelligence support to disrupt adversary tracking; collaborative, multi-platform protection concepts including shared sensing and countermeasure generation.
• Data protection and information security: protect sensitive data; use of standardised formats (e.g. NATO STANAGs) for data sharing where appropriate.
• AI-enabled functions: supervised and semi/fully automated modes for signal analysis, emitter classification, spectrum mapping, and dynamic update of mission databases; local/distributed computing to reduce latency and data loads.
• Collaborative capabilities: fusion of detections from external sensors; multiplatform geolocation (e.g. TDOA); distributed countermeasure generation for self-protection and electronic attack.
• Performance and integration: SWaP-C minimisation; reduced deck antenna footprint; ability to operate across multiple frequency bands simultaneously; synchronisation and RF coherence across distributed sensors for accurate location and countermeasures.

The topic requires demonstration of future readiness through: updated libraries and algorithms for emerging threats (including LPI/LPD/LPE waveforms), modelling and simulation for environment, EW chains, and mission scenarios, and integration with combat management systems using common data formats.

Who can apply and how projects are funded

EDF Development Actions reimburse eligible actual costs at activity-specific baseline rates with bonuses for PESCO alignment, SME and mid-cap participation, up to applicable caps. Equipment costs are generally eligible as depreciation, with potential full-cost exceptions if specified at grant level. Financial support to third parties (cascade funding) is allowed within the set ceiling.

Applicants must compute their project’s applicable rates in the Detailed Budget Table. WP1 Project Management must use the Studies rate. Indirect costs are funded at 25% flat-rate of eligible direct costs unless an actual indirect cost methodology is accepted by national pricing authorities.

Consortium, eligibility and security

• Mandatory multi-beneficiary applications and specific consortium composition rules apply.
• General EDF participation rules: typically at least three independent legal entities established in at least three different EU Member States and/or EDF associated countries (currently Norway).
• Beneficiaries, affiliated entities and subcontractors involved in the action must be established in eligible countries with executive management in those countries. Entities controlled by non-associated third countries/entities may participate only if strict guarantees approved by national authorities are provided and accepted.
• Work, equipment and resources should be located/used on the territory of eligible countries; strict rules apply to any exceptions.
• Security: proposals and projects are subject to security requirements, including potential classification, facility/personnel clearance where applicable, handling of EUCI, and industrial security obligations as per the EDF Programme Security Instruction.

Submission, evaluation and grant documentation

• Submission: Single-stage via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Part A online forms; Part B and annexes uploaded as a single password-protected ZIP as per call document instructions.
• Evaluation and award criteria, processes and thresholds: as per Sections 8–9 of the call document. Security scrutiny may occur before grant signature.
• Indicative timeline: as per Section 4 of the call document.
• Legal and financial set-up: as per Section 10 of the call document and the EDF Model Grant Agreement.

Key submission templates and annexes:Applicants must use the specific EDF templates available in the Submission System. Typical required or conditional annexes include: Application Form (Part A online; Part B narrative template), Detailed budget table (EDF DA), Participant information (EDF), List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources (EDF), Co-financing declaration (EDF DA, DA LS and ASAP), Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (EDF DA; signed also by national pricing authorities for acceptance), Harmonised capability requirements declaration (EDF DA/DA LS; needed for design activities; can be provided before design start if studies still define requirements), Declaration on procurement intent and common technical specifications (EDF DA/DA LS; required for prototyping/testing/qualification/certification activities; parts can be provided before those activities start when linked to design), Ownership control declaration and, where applicable, Ownership control guarantee with national authority approval, PRS declaration (only when Galileo PRS access is needed).

Topic-specific summary of technical and integration expectations

• Open standards and interfaces for technology components, data formats and platform integration.
• Smart electromagnetic spectrum management, including operation in heavily jammed/congested EM environments.
• AI-driven RESM/CESM signal analysis for real-time detection, characterisation and response.
• Collaborative, multi-platform data fusion and countermeasure orchestration; precise TDOA-based geolocation; distributed sensors and electronic attack support.
• Human-machine teaming: supervised and automated modes with safety, traceability and human oversight provisions in full-AI modes.
• SWaP-C optimisation, emission footprint reduction, antenna number minimisation for ship/aircraft installation constraints.
• Interoperability with combat management and avionics systems; use of commonly applicable standardised data formats (e.g. STANAG 4559 ISR library interface where relevant).

Support and partner search

• Partner search announcements tool on the Portal for publishing and responding to cooperation requests.
• National Focal Points (NFPs) in EU Member States and Norway can assist with consortium building and eligibility.
• Official functional mailbox for this call family: DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu.
• IT Helpdesk and Online Manual available via the Portal.

Categorisation and structured information

Eligible Applicant Types:Industry and research actors established in eligible countries, including SMEs, mid-caps, large enterprises, system integrators, avionics/EW manufacturers, software/AI companies, universities and research institutes, public or state-owned defence companies, nonprofit RTOs, and public bodies where applicable. Subcontractors involved in the action and affiliated entities must also meet EDF eligibility. Start-ups are eligible and welcome; financial capacity is checked during grant preparation.

Funding Type:Grant. Budget-based actual cost Action Grant under the EDF Model Grant Agreement, with activity-specific funding rates and bonuses. Financial support to third parties is allowed within ceilings.

Consortium Requirement:Consortium. Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory. EDF general rule applies: at least three independent legal entities established in at least three different EU Member States and/or EDF associated countries (currently Norway). Additional composition conditions may apply for specific activities (e.g., design requires harmonised capability requirements jointly agreed by at least two Member States or associated countries; prototyping/testing/qualification/certification require at least two Member States or associated countries intending to procure/use in a coordinated manner and common technical specifications).

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States and EDF associated countries. For EDF 2026, Norway is associated. Entities must have executive management in eligible countries. Entities controlled by non-associated third countries require national authority guarantees compliant with EDF Regulation; associated partners from non-eligible countries may participate exceptionally without funding and without access to classified information, subject to strict conditions. Work, equipment and resources must be located/used in eligible countries; otherwise ineligible for reimbursement and subject to strict derogations.

Target Sector:Defence and security with emphasis on aerospace and avionics, electronic warfare, sensors and signal intelligence, software and artificial intelligence, communications and spectrum management, systems integration and combat systems interoperability.

Mentioned Countries:Norway (EDF associated country). United Kingdom (referenced in FAQs regarding non-eligibility under current EDF). Ukraine (referenced in FAQs as not eligible as beneficiary/affiliated entity/subcontractor under EDF; may act as associated partner under strict conditions). Regionally, EU Member States are referenced throughout.

Project Stage:Development through demonstration and qualification. Activities span design, prototyping, testing and qualification. Technology readiness is expected to progress via functional lab demonstrations to representative environment validation and qualification stages in line with EDF definitions.

Funding Amount:€24,000,000 indicative total EU contribution for this topic. Individual grant size will depend on the winning proposal’s budget within the topic envelope; one grant is expected.

Application Type:Open call, competitive, single-stage. Submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal with Part A online and Part B and annexes as a password-protected ZIP.

Nature of Support:Financial support as a grant (money). Non-financial support includes access to business coaching for successful SME beneficiaries.

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

Success Rates:Not published for this topic. The topic expects funding for one proposal, making the competition likely high; actual success rates depend on number and quality of submitted proposals and annual EDF portfolio decisions.

Co-funding Requirement:Yes, for most Development Action activities except where bonuses and specific activity rates reach 100%. Baseline funding rates for design are 65%, testing 45%, qualification 70%, prototyping 20%, with bonuses for PESCO, SME and mid-cap participation up to stated maximums. A mandatory Co-financing declaration must be submitted at proposal stage, detailing amount, form of co-financing, timeline, and expected IPR-related return for co-financers. Where the grant does not cover 100% of eligible costs for a given activity, the consortium must provide the remaining co-financing.

Detailed application materials and structure

• Application Form Part A: administrative data entered online (participants, budget, declarations).
• Application Form Part B: narrative technical description uploaded as a password-protected encrypted ZIP; prescribed formatting rules apply (page limits as per call document; Arial 9 pt minimum, A4, margins).
• Detailed budget table (EDF DA): to compute eligible costs and applicable funding rates per activity, including bonuses and the complex funding rate calculator where applicable.
• Participant information form: legal, operational capacity, key staff, track record, and description of affiliated entities/associated partners/subcontractors involved in the action.
• List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources: detailed location and security status; justifications where located outside eligible countries, noting funding ineligibility for such items even if exceptionally authorised.
• Co-financing declaration: mandatory at submission from each co-financer with amount, status, indicative date, process/timeline and expected IPR-related return; “to be confirmed” must be finalised in grant preparation.
• Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (optional alternative to 25% flat-rate): requires detailed method and acceptance by national pricing authorities; includes comparable national projects and cost element breakdowns.
• Harmonised defence capability requirements declaration (for design activities): signed by competent Member State authorities confirming support and jointly agreed requirements by at least two Member States/associated countries (or joint intent if still in studies).
• Declaration on procurement intent and common technical specifications (for prototyping/testing/qualification/certification): confirmation by at least two Member States/associated countries intending coordinated procurement/use and agreement on common technical specifications (or joint intent where design still defines them).
• Ownership control declaration and, if required, Ownership control guarantee with approval by competent national authority for entities controlled by non-associated third countries.
• PRS declaration (only if Galileo PRS access is needed): confirmation of relevant authorisations initiated/obtained by competent PRS authority.
• Security and ethics: completion of Ethics and Security sections in Part A; compliance with EDF Programme Security Instruction regarding classified information handling, site/personnel clearances, industrial security, and dissemination/classification controls.

Budget context and related calls

EDF 2026 Part 2 Work Programme overall single-stage call envelope: €422,000,000 covering multiple topics across domains (air, ground, naval, space, energy/environment, sensors, materials, protection/mobility). This topic is part of that portfolio.

Where to find official documentation

• Call document and annexes (Sections 1–13 cover background, objectives, scope, requirements, budget, timetable, eligibility, award criteria, legal and financial set-up, submission instructions).
• EDF Model Grant Agreement (EDF/ASAP/EDIRPA MGA, 01.11.2024).
• EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI) with models and annexes for handling EU classified information and industrial security.
• Portal Online Manual, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Statement.
• National Focal Points and topic Q&A on the Portal.

Access the call fiche and official guidance here: EDF-2026-DA call fiche (PDF) ¹.

General summary

EDF-2026-DA funds the development of next-generation aircraft self-protection systems to enhance survivability of fixed and rotary wing platforms against direct and indirect threats. Proposals must demonstrate modular, open-architecture solutions that integrate with existing avionics and combat systems, deliver AI-enabled detection, classification and countermeasure coordination in highly congested and jammed electromagnetic environments, and enable collaborative protection across multiple platforms. Mandatory design work must frame an interoperable, scalable and secure architecture; eligible prototyping, testing and qualification activities should deliver credible demonstrations and readiness for integration. The grant operates under EDF Development Actions with activity-specific funding rates and bonuses; consortia must be multinational and comply with strict eligibility, security and industrial policy conditions. Applicants submit a single-stage proposal via the EU Portal using EDF templates, including co-financing and capability/procurement declarations where applicable. With a €24 million envelope and an expectation to fund one proposal, the topic prioritises comprehensive, standards-based, SWaP-optimised solutions that exploit AI, multi-sensor fusion and distributed EW capabilities while safeguarding sensitive data and enabling cross-platform interoperability.

Footnotes

1. 1Official call fiche for EDF-2026-DA and detailed topic descriptions, eligibility and funding rules are available at EDF-2026-DA call fiche.

Self-Protection Systems for Aircraft - EDF 2026 Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Overview

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is calling for proposals to develop next-generation self-protection systems for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft operating in hostile environments. This collaborative development action seeks to enhance the survivability of both combat and non-combat aircraft through innovative, modular protection systems based on open architecture and international standards.

Call Identifier:EDF-2026-DA

Funding Programme:European Defence Fund (EDF), Development Actions implemented via actual cost grants

Total Available Budget:€24,000,000

Submission Period:Opens 11 February 2026. Single-stage submission with deadline 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.

Project Scope and Objectives

Proposals must develop next-generation self-protection systems that increase aircraft survivability in hostile environments. The systems should provide modular integration compatible with both fixed and rotary-wing platforms, offering protection against both direct and indirect threats. Core capabilities must include automatic coordination of countermeasures, threat detection and classification, and collaborative protection with other platforms.

The self-protection system must operate based on open architecture and international standards while protecting sensitive data and ensuring compatibility with other platforms. For indirect threats, the system should gather intelligence, disrupt enemy tracking, and enable collaborative protection. Proposals contribute to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) objectives in the target investment area of defence technologies.

Eligible Activities and Mandatory Requirements

The following types of activities are eligible under this call. Mandatory activities that all proposals must address are studies and design. Optional activities include integrating knowledge, prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and increasing efficiency.

• Studies (mandatory): Feasibility studies exploring the viability of self-protection system concepts and technologies
• Design (mandatory): Technical specifications and design of the self-protection system components and integration approach
• Integrating knowledge (optional): Activities to increase interoperability and resilience of defence technologies
• Prototyping (optional): Development of system prototypes demonstrating key functionalities
• Testing (optional): Validation of system performance under representative conditions
• Qualification (optional): Demonstration that design meets specified requirements
• Certification (optional): National authority certification of compliance with applicable regulations
• Increasing efficiency (optional): Development of technologies improving lifecycle efficiency

Functional Requirements and System Specifications

The proposed self-protection system must meet stringent functional requirements to ensure effective operation in contested environments. The system should provide scalable, modular design suitable for integration into multiple aircraft platforms with varying operational requirements.

• Modular integration capability with both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft platforms
• Protection against direct threats through active and passive countermeasure coordination
• Protection against indirect threats including intelligence gathering and collaborative tracking disruption
• Automatic threat detection and classification with real-time response capability
• Open architecture based on international standards to ensure interoperability
• Secure handling of sensitive data and classified information
• Compatibility with existing aircraft systems and platforms
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, contested electromagnetic and kinetic environments
• Collaborative protection capabilities enabling coordination with other aircraft and defense systems
• Low through-life cost and minimal impact on aircraft performance and logistics

Eligibility Criteria and Consortium Requirements

Eligible Applicants:Legal entities including public bodies, private companies, research organizations, and defence industry companies established in EU Member States and Norway. Entities must have their executive management structure located in eligible countries.

Eligible Countries:All EU Member States (27) and Norway. Ukraine is not eligible for participation. Entities established outside these countries may participate exceptionally under specific security arrangements, without receiving funding.

Consortium Composition:Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic. Consortia must include at least two Member States or EDF associated countries. A consortium agreement is required to govern internal operations, roles, financial responsibilities, and dispute resolution. For projects involving design activities, harmonised defence capability requirements must be jointly agreed by at least two Member States or associated countries. For projects involving prototyping through certification, at least two Member States or associated countries must intend to procure the final product or use the technology in coordinated manner.

Financial Details and Funding Structure

Total Budget Available:€24,000,000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call

Indicative Number of Grants:One proposal is expected to be funded. However, depending on quality of proposals and available budget, more than one proposal may ultimately receive funding.

Funding Rate Structure:The funding rate depends on the type of activity. Studies receive 90% baseline funding. Design activities receive 65% baseline funding. Prototyping receives 20% baseline. Testing receives 45%. Qualification and certification receive 70% baseline. All baseline rates may be increased through bonuses for PESCO participation (plus 10%), SME participation (up to plus 5% for non-cross-border, plus 10% for cross-border), and mid-cap participation (plus 10%). Maximum funding rates range from 55% for prototyping to 100% for studies and design with full bonuses applied ¹.

Cost Eligibility:Eligible costs include personnel costs, subcontracting, equipment (full cost for listed equipment and depreciation for other equipment), travel and subsistence, other goods and services, and indirect costs at flat-rate 25% or actual costs. Financial support to third parties is allowed within specified ceilings.

Application and Submission Process

Submission Method:Applications must be submitted via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal electronic submission system. The application consists of Part A (administrative data generated by the portal) and Part B (technical proposal narrative and annexes). Part B must be uploaded as a single password-protected ZIP file using AES-256 encryption.

Application Deadline:29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. This is a single-stage submission process with no preliminary rounds.

Required Documentation:Standard application form with Part A and B, detailed budget table, participant information forms, infrastructure and resources list, co-financing declarations (mandatory and filled completely), ownership control declarations, consortium agreement, harmonised capability requirements declaration (if design activities included), procurement intent declaration (if prototyping through certification included), and other supporting documents as specified in the call.

Evaluation and Award Criteria ²

Proposals are evaluated on multiple award criteria reflecting excellence, innovation, industrial competitiveness, and EU strategic interests. Evaluation involves quantitative scoring by expert panels, with different weighting for different criteria.

1. 1Excellence and potential of disruption: Overall soundness of concept and technological approach, demonstrated advantage over existing solutions
2. 2Innovation and technological development: Ground-breaking elements, novel concepts, application of new technologies to defence sector, complementarity with existing activities, spin-off potential
3. 3Competitiveness: Competitive advantage of product and cost-efficiency, market growth potential within EU and globally, intellectual property strategy strength
4. 4EDTIB autonomy: Contribution to European Defence Technological and Industrial Base autonomy and non-dependency from third countries, security of supply enhancement
5. 5Cross-border cooperation: Creation of new cross-border cooperation between entities from different Member States and associated countries, especially involving SMEs and mid-caps
6. 6Lifecycle efficiency: Improvement in efficiency across lifecycle compared to existing solutions in production, operations, maintenance, repair and disposal
7. 7Member State cooperation: Number of Member States committed to jointly procure or use the technology in coordinated manner
8. 8Implementation: Quality of work plan, work breakdown structure, consortium composition and resources, risk management and mitigation measures

Security and Special Conditions

This is a classified development action involving sensitive defence information. Comprehensive security measures and protocols apply to all participants throughout the project lifecycle. Beneficiaries and subcontractors handling classified information must comply with the EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI).

• Classified information handling: Projects may involve EU classified information up to and including SECRET level. All participants must implement security measures per Commission Decision 2015/444 and the EDF PSI
• Facility security clearance: Beneficiaries handling classified information at CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET levels must hold appropriate Facility Security Clearance (FSC) from their national security authority
• Personnel security clearance: Personnel accessing classified information at CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET levels must hold valid Personnel Security Clearance (PSC) at appropriate level
• Security Classification Guide: A Security Classification Guide will be issued specifying which project outputs require classification protection
• Communication and dissemination: All communication and dissemination activities are subject to security review and prior written approval by granting authority. Visibility of EU funding must be maintained while protecting classified aspects
• Subcontracting: Action tasks involving classified information may only be subcontracted with explicit written approval from granting authority
• Data protection: Personal data processing must comply with GDPR and EU data protection rules. Beneficiaries must inform data subjects of data handling and provide privacy statements

Equipment Reimbursement:For this topic, equipment costs may be declared as depreciation and full cost for listed equipment. Depreciation is calculated based on actual costs and written off per international accounting standards. Full cost option applies to specific equipment identified in the budget annex that is purchased specifically for the action.

Financial Support to Third Parties:Financial support to third parties (FSTP) is allowed for this topic but only within the set ceiling. Support must use objective and transparent selection procedures, specify maximum amounts per recipient, define qualifying activity types on a closed list, and establish clear criteria and procedures for awarding support.

Expected Project Impacts and Outcomes

Successful projects should generate significant strategic and operational impacts contributing to European defence capabilities and industrial competitiveness.

• Enhanced aircraft survivability: Increased capability of EU military aircraft to survive and operate effectively in contested and hostile environments
• Interoperability enhancement: Improved commonality, interoperability and interchangeability among European defence industry and EU Member States armed forces
• Strategic autonomy: Promoted EU strategic autonomy in defence and reduced dependency on external solutions for critical self-protection capabilities
• Industrial competitiveness: Strengthened competitiveness and innovation capacity of European defence industry, enabling market uptake of European products
• Supply chain security: Improved security of supply for critical defence self-protection technologies, reducing reliance on non-EU suppliers
• Cost efficiency: Reduced lifecycle costs through improved efficiency in production, operations, maintenance and disposal
• Cross-border cooperation: Strengthened collaborative relationships between defence industry entities across multiple Member States and associated countries
• SME engagement: Enhanced participation of SMEs and mid-sized companies in European defence technology development
• Standardisation: Contribution to increased standardisation of defence systems and protocols across EU
• Reduced strategic dependencies: Mitigation of Union strategic dependencies through development of EU-based solutions

Key Contacts and Support Resources

For specific questions about this call, beneficiaries should contact the EDF proposal support mailbox. The EU Funding and Tenders Portal provides comprehensive online guidance including step-by-step submission instructions, templates, and FAQs. National Focal Points appointed by EU Member States can provide country-specific information and support in identifying potential partners.

Official Support Channel:DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu

Key Supporting Documents:Call document with detailed topic descriptions, EDF Regulation 2021/697, EDF Programme Security Instruction, Model Grant Agreement, Application Form templates, Participant Information Declaration template, Detailed Budget Table templates, Co-financing Declaration template, Consortium Agreement requirements, and EU Grants Annotated Grant Agreement guidance.

Strategic Context and Programme Background

This call is part of the 2026 European Defence Fund work programme, which allocates approximately €1 billion to collaborative defence research and development activities. The EDF supports collaborative actions and cross-border cooperation to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), enhance Member State defence capabilities, and reduce fragmentation in European defence investment. The fund contributes to EU strategic autonomy and freedom of action in the security and defence domain.

The 2026 work programme is structured around seven thematic calls addressing major defence capability development, critical enabling technologies, and the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) supporting disruptive technologies and SME participation. This self-protection systems call contributes to the air domain capabilities priority commonly agreed by Member States within the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) framework and the Capability Development Plan (CDP).

Footnotes

1. 1EDF Regulation 2021/697 Article 10(3) and EDF 2026 Call document specify funding rates per activity type. Beneficiaries must calculate individual funding rates using the Detailed Budget Table. Annex 2e of the grant agreement specifies individual funding rates and maximum amounts per beneficiary and reporting period when multiple complex funding rate combinations are used.
2. 2Award criteria are specified in section 9 of the EDF 2026 Call document. Different weightings apply to each criterion reflecting programme policy objectives. Proposals must address all applicable criteria. Evaluation is conducted by independent expert panels with results reviewed by the granting authority. Selection is competitive and only highest-scoring proposals that meet all eligibility and award criteria are funded within available budget.