A call for proposals on disruptive technologies for defence is aimed for research proposals on cutting-edge, high-risk/high-impact research leading to game changing impact in a defence context.
The proposals should focus on enhanced or completely new technologies that bring about a paradigm shift in the concept and conduct of defence affairs such as by replacing existing defence technologies or rendering them obsolete.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) supports actions that can help develop disruptive technologies based on concepts or ideas originating from “non-traditional defence’s state-of-art” or emerging technologies equally disruptive, contributing to the development of innovative defence systems.
Rewards & Benefits
Unique focus, fostering SME presence in disruptive technologies through the specific research call for a smaller size consortium of minimum two entities from two EU Member States and Norway
Receive 100% of required funding
Successful beneficiaries can receive business coaching: reduce the time of bringing results to the next phase of development
How does it work?
This is an open and non-thematic call and it follows the same rules as non-thematic calls reserved for SMEs.
Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies), based in at least two different Member States.
Successful applicants receive funding in the form of a lump sum grant.
Who can apply?
This call encourages the driving role of new actors in defence research and innovation, including excellent researchers, ambitious high-tech SMEs and visionary research centres of big companies, universities or research and technology organisations.
Apply for the 2025 Calls
EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-GDET: Great-depth enabling technologies
This call focuses on extensive and precise research into "great-depth enabling technologies" for Seabed Warfare (SBW). The results will enhance and accelerate the design of new systems specifically developed and optimised for operations in emerging operational scenarios.
Indicative budget: EUR 23.000.000
EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-NT: Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
This call is designed to lay the foundations for radically new future technologies of any kind, with unexpected impact that aims to bring radical technological superiority over potential adversaries. The proposals may address any area of interest for defence.
Indicative budget: EUR 20.000.000
The deadline date for applications is 16 October 2025, 17:00 Brussels time
Results of the 2024 Calls:
In EDF 2024, following the evaluation process on disruptive calls, 9 project proposals were selected:
- Orchestrating the Operational Deployment of Quantum Resistant Services for Next-Generation Secure Defence Systems and Communications (ORQESTRA)
- Quantum Agile and Resilient Military Communications (Q-ARM)
- Spin-based Quantum Optics for Robust and Precise Inertial Sensing, Orientation and Navigation (SQORPION)
- Disruptive structural radar ABsorBing and EMI shielding cOmposite Technologies (ABBOT)
- Harnessing Adaptive Renewables: Versatile Energy Supply Technology (HARVEST)
- Innovative and Streamlined Water Prefiltration System for Military Personnel (INNOSWAMP)
- METAsurfaces for the next generation of STEALTH platforms (METASTEALTH)
- Disruptive “NEURO-QUantum-AI technology symbiosis” for Real-Time Cognitive Monitoring and Decision Support to improve Pilot Control and Safety (NEUROQUAD)
- Silicon-based materials for the short-wave infrared range (SILFRARED)
Results of the 2023 Call:
In EDF 2023, following the evaluation process on disruptive call, 5 project proposals were selected:
- Command, Control, and Communications for Multi-X Swarms (SWARM-C3)
- Sustainable Water Innovations for Fielded Troops (S.W.I.F.T)
- LAserCEramics (LACE)
- Disruptive Electromagnetic 70 mm Rocket System (DEMAROCK)
- Tactical Advanced Laser Optical Systems: Technologies for High Power Laser, Vulnerability study, Vignette development and Operational Study (TALOS-TWO)
Disruptive technologies calls focus on enhanced or completely new technologies that bring about a radical change, including a paradigm shift in the concept and conduct of defence affairs such as by replacing existing defence technologies or rendering them obsolete.
Proposals should therefore primarily consist of activities aiming to create, underpin and improve disruptive technologies that can achieve significant effects in the area of defence.
Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies) based in at least two different Member States, and respect the other eligibility conditions of the EDF Regulation as reflected in the call texts.
No. Applicants need to be members of a consortium (at least two companies) based in at least two different Member States.
To apply for a disruptive technologies call, applicants should consult the EDF Work Programme as well as the Commission’s Funding and Tender Opportunities online portal.
The deadline date for EDF 2025 applications is 16 October 2025, 17:00 Brussels time.
More information on the available opportunities can be found in the Funding and Tenders online portal.
Calls targeting research actions are 100% funded.
A total of up to EUR 43 million are available in 2025 under two disruptive technologies calls on Great-depth enabling technologies and Non-thematic research actions.