Record-Breaking Interest in 2024 European Defence Fund with 298 Proposals Competing for €1.1 Billion in Funding

The European Defence Fund (EDF) has received an unprecedented 298 proposals for its 2024 call for proposals, marking a record high since the Fund's creation in 2021. 

This surge in participation, representing a 25% increase from 2023, underscores the growing commitment of the EU defence industry to collaborate on cutting-edge defence research and development. The competition for €1.1 billion in funding highlights the EDF’s success in attracting interest from both large and small players, including a record number of proposals from small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research organizations—a 28% rise compared to 2023.

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, praised the industry’s enthusiasm, noting, “I am delighted to see the continuously growing interest from the European defence industry to collaborate in the context of the European Defence Fund.  At a time when European defence readiness is paramount, it is encouraging to witness the commitment of the defence industry, including an increasing number of SMEs, to build a stronger defence technological base and develop cutting edge defence capabilities.”

The 2024 proposals cover all EDF thematic priorities, including critical defence capability domains such as the development of next-generation armoured infantry fighting vehicles, capabilities to counter hypersonic missiles, and a range of unmanned air and ground systems. Other targeted innovations include autonomous mine-sweeping technology, secure space communications, and next-generation platforms for helicopters and mid-sized cargo aircraft.

To foster innovation, particularly among SMEs, and to promote inclusiveness in the defence sector, the EDF 2024 call includes dedicated support through the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), which has a funding allocation of €225 million under the Work Programme 2024.

All submitted proposals will now undergo thorough admissibility and eligibility reviews by the Commission, followed by an evaluation of scientific excellence, award criteria, and ethics screenings conducted with the assistance of independent experts, with results of the evaluation scheduled for release in May 2025.

For further information on the European Defence Fund and the ongoing evaluation process, visit our dedicated webpage. 

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