The first EDF Technological Challenge kicks off!

DG DEFIS launches the first European Defence Fund (EDF) Technological Challenge, addressing technologies for the detection of improvised explosive devices (IED) and landmines.

Under the challenge, several cross border R&D teams - AIDEDex, CONVOY, DeterMine, TICHE - will develop technological solutions using a combination of unmanned ground and aerial systems with advanced sensors and information fusion. These solutions will be evaluated using a common testing environment set up by the challenge organising team HiTDOC. Using common testing protocols and metrics will enable an objective and comparative evaluation of the system performances, and boost progress.

The EU will invest 25 M€ in this technological challenge. Given the importance of countering IEDs and landmines for military operations, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, the challenge is expected to have a strong impact.

Further information Technological Challenge calls is available here.