Objectives

This is a call for proposals for EU action grants in the field of collaborative defence research and development under the European Defence Fund (EDF), launched in accordance with the Work Programme 2026 and managed by the European Commission (DG DEFIS). The call covers thematic topics addressing spin-in research actions which will be implemented through lump sum grants, with Research Actions reimbursed at a funding rate of 100%.

The call aims to support collaborative defence R&D, contributing to greater efficiency of defence spending in the EU, greater economies of scale, reducing the risk of unnecessary duplication and fostering the market uptake of European defence products and technologies; it also contributes to reducing fragmentation, increasing standardisation of defence systems and greater interoperability between Member States’ capabilities. Projects in SPIN-IN calls must spin-in results of projects supported by other EU funding programmes with a focus on civil applications to be considered eligible; such results and details on how they will be integrated must be described in the proposal, and applicants must ensure they have the necessary rights on the results they will integrate.

The call covers two topics (each proposal must address only one): New turbofan engine, and Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection (critical underwater infrastructure). The topics contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The EDF also has a business coaching component: successful SME beneficiaries will be offered business coaching to accelerate their growth and guide them in their business challenges to reach the defence market. Financial support to third parties may be included as part of proposals, subject to the call conditions.

Actions

This call covers the following topics:

EDF-2026-LS-RA-SI-ENERENV-NTFE: New turbofan engine

EDF-2026-RA-SI-UWW-CSBI-STEP: Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection