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

February 18, 2025 (opens) | October 16, 2025 (deadline)

€34,000,000 total budget for 2025; single-stage, lump sum grants

Funding for SMEs and research organisations to develop innovative defence technologies and adapt civil solutions for defence applications.

Proposals must not cover studies only; clear work breakdown structure and progress criteria required.

--- ## Description This grant supports innovative research actions led by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research organisations in the field of defence, under the European Defence Fund (EDF). The program aims to foster ground-breaking or novel concepts, adapt civil technologies for defence use, and strengthen the European research and technology ecosystem. Projects should focus on increasing readiness, deployability, reliability, safety, and sustainability of defence forces, and may include add-on research actions to adapt civil solutions for defence. The call is open to any technological research for defence, with a strong emphasis on the involvement of SMEs and the creation of future market opportunities within defence supply chains. --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: February 18, 2025 - Application deadline: October 16, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget: €34,000,000 for 2025 - Grants are provided as lump sum payments - Single-stage application process --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** SMEs and research organisations established in EU Member States or EDF Associated Countries (see Section 6 of the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ls-ra-smero_en.pdf)) - **Consortia:** Participation of multiple entities is possible and encouraged - **Activities supported:** Generating and integrating knowledge, feasibility studies, and design work. Prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and life-cycle efficiency activities are NOT eligible. - **Restrictions:** Proposals must not consist of studies only; they must include a broader scope of research or technology development. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-LS-RA-SMERO-NT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Format:** Follow the application templates and guidelines provided in the portal. Page limits and layout are described in the application form and Part B of the submission package. - **Required documents:** - Completed application form - Detailed budget table - Participant information - List of infrastructure/facilities/assets - Ownership and control declarations (if applicable) - **Evaluation:** Single-stage evaluation based on eligibility, excellence, impact, and implementation criteria. - **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-ls-ra-smero_en.pdf) for indicative grant agreement dates. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must include a clear work breakdown structure, link tasks to eligible activities, and specify criteria for assessing work package completion. - The call welcomes proposals that adapt results from previous EU-funded civil research, provided applicants have the rights to access and commercialise those results. - Only activities that create or integrate knowledge, feasibility studies, and design work are eligible; system prototyping, testing, and certification are excluded. - For detailed eligibility, evaluation, financial, and legal requirements, refer to the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ls-ra-smero_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-LS-RA-SMERO-NT?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-ls-ra-smero_en.pdf) - [Application Form Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/af_edf_en.pdf) - [Budget Table Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_edf-ls-ra_en.xlsm) - [EDF Annual Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [General FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Call-specific support | DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu | | IT/Portal helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations

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