European Defence Fund

The aim of research and development in European defence is to increase the EU’s technological edge and develop capabilities that are key for the strategic autonomy and resilience of the Union and its Member States.

To promote R&D in European defence the EU launched the European Defence Fund (EDF) within the 2021-2027 framework programme. The objectives of the Fund are to develop technological skills and provide incentives to build integrated and competitive cross-border supply chains. The Fund should ensure the most efficient use and complementarity of European resources for both civil and military research, innovation and deployment efforts.

The EDF builds on and integrates two predecessor programmes: the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) 2017-2020, and the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) 2019-2020.

The aim of research and development in European defence is to increase the EU’s technological edge and develop capabilities that are key for the strategic autonomy and resilience of the Union and its Member States.

To promote R&D in European defence the EU launched the European Defence Fund (EDF) within the 2021-2027 framework programme. The objectives of the Fund are to develop technological skills and provide incentives to build integrated and competitive cross-border supply chains. The Fund should ensure the most efficient use and complementarity of European resources for both civil and military research, innovation and deployment efforts.

The EDF builds on and integrates two predecessor programmes: the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) 2017-2020, and the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) 2019-2020.