A record response to the EDF 2025 call
In October 2025, the European Commission announced a major milestone for the 2025 call for the European Defence Fund (EDF) for collaborative defence research and development projects. A total of 410 proposals were submitted, competing for €1.065 billion in available funding, a 38% increase compared to the previous year. This record participation demonstrates that the Fund is gaining strong momentum and attracting growing interest across Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
The call delivered a diverse range of participants, from major defence companies to agile start-ups and research organisations.
The project’s topics were diverse: new generations of radars and sensors for air-defence and counter-drone systems, AI-driven human–machine dialogue for intelligence and tactical decision-making, under-water warfare and naval cloud technologies, soldier systems connected to digital battlefields, and space-based ISR constellations of small satellites.
The EDF 2025 calls allocated €336 million to help SMEs and start-ups design, prototype and validate breakthrough technologies. With record participation and a focus on dual-use technologies, the EDF is becoming a central instrument in Europe’s defence and security innovation strategy.
Dual-use technologies and civil–military synergies
A key takeaway from the EDF’s growing success is that it is not limited to traditional defence actors. Many calls target dual-use technologies, meaning innovations that serve both civilian and defence purposes. This reflects Europe’s strategic vision of strengthening technological sovereignty while boosting industrial competitiveness and strategic resilience.
Examples of dual-use areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials, energy systems, and space technologies. Companies developing autonomous vehicles, secure communication tools or advanced sensors for industrial or civil applications may find relevant EDF opportunities.
The European Commission has highlighted the intention to create smoother mechanisms for spinning civilian developments in and out of military research, and vice versa.
By encouraging dual-use innovation, the EDF is linking civilian and defence industries through shared technologies, supply chains, and research partnerships. This ensures that public investment not only strengthens Europe’s security capabilities but also stimulates industrial competitiveness and technological advancement across sectors. It creates opportunities for SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions to bring their innovations into the defence domain while maintaining relevance for civilian markets.
About the EDF
The European Defence Fund (EDF) supports collaborative research and development in defence and dual-use technologies across the EU. It promotes cooperation among companies, research organisations and Member States to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy. For more details about current and upcoming calls, visit the European Commission’s official EDF page.
At Evolution, we help organisations assess eligibility, identify the most suitable EDF topics, and prepare competitive proposals. Our experts guide you in positioning your innovation within EDF priorities, highlighting its dual-use potential, and forming strong European partnerships to maximise success.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
