EU Defence Programmes

The EU's most ambitious defence investment surge in history

The White Paper frames a new approach to defence and identifies investment needs. The ReArm Europe Plan creates conditions for massive defence investment — up to €800 billion in additional expenditures. SAFE instrument provides €150 billion in EU loans. National escape clause allows up to 1.5% GDP for defence spending (€650B across EU).

EU's flagship defence R&D funding instrument — €1B in 2026 calls

The EDF finances collaborative defence research and development projects. €2.7B for research, €5.3B for development. 2026 Work Programme: €1B across 10 calls and 31 topics. Requires cross-border consortiums of at least 3 entities from 3 EU/EEA member states.

Bridging emergency measures to long-term industrial readiness

EDIP implements concrete measures from the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). It provides €1.5 billion to strengthen the competitiveness and responsiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), ensure availability of defence products, and promote cooperation with Ukraine.

Binding commitments for collaborative defence capability development

PESCO is a Treaty-based framework enabling 26 EU member states to jointly develop defence capabilities, invest in shared projects, and enhance operational readiness. 74 collaborative projects across all domains — land, sea, air, cyber, space, and enabling capabilities.

Maintenance, repair & overhaul across Air, Sea, and Land domains

MAJOR brings Air, Sea, and Land platform developers together to address shared challenges in structural joining, maintenance, and repair of composite and multi-material structures. Advancing key technologies to TRL 6/7. Three domains: UAV airframes (attritable, mass-produced), naval mast modules (lightweight composites), and armoured truck cabins (IED protection).

Advancing defence innovation hand-in-hand with Ukraine

BraveTech EU accelerates defence innovation by building on battlefield-proven technologies. It brings together EDF, EUDIS, and Ukraine's BRAVE1 platform for joint development, testing, and deployment. Two phases: Seed (hackathons, matchmaking, R&D) and Scale Up (grants, equity, procurement pathways).

Creating a Military Mobility Area by 2027

The Military Mobility Package 2025 ensures swift, coordinated movement of military personnel and equipment across the EU. It aims to create a 'Military Schengen' with harmonised rules, pre-agreed routes, and interoperable digital permissions. Includes 4 Priority Corridors and 500+ infrastructure hotspot projects.

Boosting investments in critical technologies across 11 EU programmes

STEP steers and leverages resources from 11 existing EU funding programmes, including a €1.5B top-up for EDF, to drive investments in critical technologies. Three strategic sectors: digital technologies and deep-tech innovation, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnologies. Eligible projects receive a 'STEP Seal'.

Decarbonising aviation through hydrogen and electric propulsion

The Alliance brings together aviation stakeholders to prepare for the market introduction of hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft. It addresses the entire value chain — from aircraft design and manufacturing to airport infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for sustainable aviation.

100,000+ jobs and €10B+ economic impact from EU drone sector

The EU has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft covering safety, privacy, and security. Three operation categories: open, specific, and certified. U-Space traffic management system for low-altitude urban operations. Expected to employ 100,000+ people with €10B+ annual economic impact.

How to access EU defence contracts and tenders

The EU provides structured procurement channels for defence products and services. This includes direct procurement by EU institutions, framework contracts, and collaborative procurement through EDA. Companies must meet specific eligibility, security clearance, and quality certification requirements.

Comprehensive funding landscape for space and defence technologies

The EU provides multiple funding streams for space and defence technologies, including Horizon Europe, InvestEU, Cohesion Policy funds, and dedicated defence instruments. This covers satellite systems, space-based surveillance, launch technologies, and dual-use space-defence applications.

Connecting defence industrial clusters across EU regions

The European Network connects regional defence industrial clusters, facilitating cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives. It helps regions leverage EU funds for defence-related economic development and supports SMEs in accessing defence supply chains.