[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

October 16, 2025 (single-stage)

€39,000,000 total budget for the topic; typical project duration aligns with EDF research actions.

Funding to design and develop a secure, innovative European Fighter MIDS terminal, advancing EU defence autonomy and interoperability through advanced communications and information distribution technology.

--- ## Description This grant, under the European Defence Fund (EDF), supports the design, development, and demonstration of a next-generation European Fighter Multifunctional Information Distribution System (F-EMIDS) terminal. The aim is to provide advanced, secure Communication, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) capabilities for air, land, and maritime tactical operations—enhancing EU sovereignty, technological autonomy, and reducing reliance on non-EU suppliers for critical defence communications. The project focuses on studies and design activities, including risk analysis, technology selection, module design, manufacturing, and laboratory testing, with the goal of achieving or surpassing the current state-of-the-art in secure tactical data links (e.g., Link 16), navigation (TACAN), and future stealth waveform integration. The resulting system must comply with rigorous operational, security, and airworthiness standards. --- ## Due Dates - Proposal submission deadline: **October 16, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time** - Call opened: February 18, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available budget:** €39,000,000 (for this topic) - **Grant type:** EDF Research Actions (actual cost grants) - **Project duration:** Typically aligns with EDF research actions (refer to call documents for specific details) --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - Legal entities established in EU Member States or EDF Associated Countries. - Additional eligibility, ownership, and control requirements apply (see [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ra_en.pdf)). - **Consortium requirements:** - Usually requires a consortium of at least three independent entities from at least three different eligible countries. - **Other conditions:** - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. - Security and ownership criteria apply due to the sensitive nature of defence technology. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Single-stage electronic submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-RA-C4ISR-MIDS-STEP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Required documents:** - Application form (EDF-specific) - Detailed budget table - Participant information - List of infrastructure, facilities, assets, and resources - Ownership control declaration - PRS declaration - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated based on criteria detailed in the call document, including excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. - **Timeline:** See section 4 of the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ra_en.pdf) for indicative evaluation and grant agreement schedule. --- ## Additional Information - **Scope:** Proposals must focus on studies and design only (system prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification are not eligible under this call). - **Mandatory activities:** - Feasibility and risk studies - Life-cycle cost analysis - Detailed design up to Critical Design Review (CDR) - Manufacturing of demonstrator modules and laboratory functional testing - **Functional requirements:** - Link 16 datalink compliance - TACAN capability (Air/Air and Ground/Air) - Stealth waveform integration (growth potential) - Compliance with Software Defined Radio SCA standards - Security, safety, and airworthiness requirements --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-RA-C4ISR-MIDS-STEP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ra_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (EDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/af_edf_en.pdf) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [EDF Annual Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en) - [General FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General queries & support | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Call-specific questions | DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu | | Technical help (portal) | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Multifunctional Information Distribution System

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