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

October 16, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)

€25,000,000 total budget for this topic; typical project duration and award size may vary.

Grant for developing advanced, efficient, and robust high-power propulsion systems for next-generation EU military rotorcrafts, emphasizing sustainability, digitalization, and EU sovereignty.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports research and development of breakthrough, high-power (above 3,000 shp / 2.237 kW) propulsion systems for the next generation of EU military rotorcrafts. The program aims to close the technological gap in high-power propulsion, delivering scalable, efficient, and robust engines with best-in-class power-to-weight ratios, reduced emissions, and advanced predictive maintenance capabilities. Projects should emphasize digitalization, hybridization, advanced materials, AI-based control and monitoring, lifecycle cost optimization, and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels. The ultimate goal is to reinforce EU sovereignty in strategic rotorcraft platforms and foster synergies with ongoing and past military rotorcraft initiatives. --- ## Due Dates - Proposal submission deadline: **October 16, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)** - Call opens: February 18, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available budget:** €25,000,000 for this topic (EDF-2025-RA-ENERENV-PSR) - **Award size:** Not specified per project; refer to call documents for further details - **Funding mechanism:** Actual cost grants under EDF Research Actions --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** As described in 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-ra_en.pdf). - **Geographical scope:** Legal entities established in EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. - **Consortium requirements:** Typically, projects require a consortium of eligible entities from different EU or EDF Associated Countries. - **Other conditions:** See full eligibility and admissibility criteria in the call document. --- ## 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-ENERENV-PSR?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=15&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Required documents:** Application form, detailed budget table, participant information, infrastructure/resources list, and other supporting documents as specified in the [call documentation](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_edf-2025-ra_en.pdf). - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated based on criteria in section 9 of the call document, including excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. - **Timeline:** Indicative evaluation and grant agreement timeline is detailed in section 4 of the call document. - **Templates and guidance:** Access [application templates](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/af_edf_en.pdf), [budget table](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_edf-ra_en.xlsm), and [online manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - **Scope exclusions:** Proposals should not address research on rotors, gearboxes, or shafts—focus is strictly on the engine and its components. - **Mandatory activities:** Projects must include generating and integrating knowledge, feasibility studies, and design work. - **Synergy:** Proposals must demonstrate complementarity with previous or ongoing EDF rotorcraft activities. - **Functional requirements:** Projects should target substantial improvements in efficiency, maintainability, sustainability, and operational robustness, as well as readiness for sustainable aviation fuels and harsh environments. --- ## External Links - [Call topic page and submission portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EDF-2025-RA-ENERENV-PSR?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) - [Application form template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/af_edf_en.pdf) - [Detailed budget table](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/edf/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_edf-ra_en.xlsm) - [Online Manual (step-by-step guide)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [FAQ and Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) - [EDF Annual Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General call inquiries | 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) | | European Commission info | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Propulsion system for next generation rotorcrafts

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