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

October 16, 2025 (single-stage)

Total budget: €20,000,000; grant size varies by project

Supports high-risk, high-impact research to develop disruptive defence technologies and foster technological superiority in Europe.

Open to any technology area with high disruption potential in defence; encourages participation by new actors and SMEs.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds cutting-edge, high-risk/high-impact research projects aimed at laying the groundwork for radically new technologies with disruptive potential in the defence sector. The goal is to foster scientific and technological advances that could provide significant technological superiority for European defence, enhance the innovation capacity and competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), and involve a broad spectrum of participants—from leading researchers and high-tech SMEs to visionary departments in large companies, universities, and research organisations. Proposals must demonstrate a disruptive effect in a defence context, present a radical vision, target ambitious breakthroughs, and outline a flexible methodology to navigate high research risks and uncertainties. --- ## Due Dates - Opening date: February 18, 2025 - Application deadline: October 16, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget for this call: €20,000,000 - Grant size will vary depending on the scope and ambition of individual projects. - Funded as EDF Lump Sum Grants. --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia involving entities from eligible EU Member States and associated countries as defined in the call document. - Eligible participants include: - Excellent researchers - High-tech SMEs - Large companies (visionary departments) - Universities and research and technology organisations - Proposals must address disruptive technologies with clear defence applications. - Activities eligible for funding include: - Generating knowledge (mandatory) - Integrating knowledge, feasibility studies, and design (optional) - System prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and life cycle efficiency activities are **not** eligible. For detailed eligibility criteria, refer to [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-dis_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. - Proposals must follow the structure and page limits described in the application form and call documentation. - Required documents: - Standard application form - Budget table - Participant information - Ownership and control declarations - Security and compliance documentation as relevant - Evaluation based on excellence, impact, and implementation criteria. - For templates and guidance, see [application forms and documents](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-NT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). --- ## Additional Information - The call is open to any technology area with high disruption potential relevant to defence. - Proposals must clearly describe the disruptive impact, radical vision, and breakthrough targets, and include criteria for assessing progress. - Participation of new actors in defence research and innovation is strongly encouraged. - Activities must be aligned with the objectives and requirements of the European Defence Fund (EDF). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-LS-RA-DIS-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-dis_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) - [EDF Annual Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en) - [Online Manual (Portal Guidance)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [FAQ on Proposal Submission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=10&sortBy=publicationDate&isExactMatch=true&type=1&grantCategories=p_submission_eval) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Call-specific Questions | DEFIS-EDF-PROPOSALS@ec.europa.eu | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence

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