The 2024 EDF call aligns with the EU's strategic objectives, including the ReArm Europe Plan and the Joint White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030, aimed at enhancing overall security and readiness.

Selected consortia will finalize grant agreements with the European Commission by the end of the year, highlighting the EDF's evolving role in shaping European defence through innovation and strategic investment.

The European Commission has unveiled a significant €910 million investment under the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF) to bolster Europe's defence innovation capabilities.

This funding initiative generated an impressive 297 proposals from 625 entities across 26 EU countries and Norway, with a notable contribution from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The primary goal of this funding is to enhance collaboration among EU Member States and to advance technological developments within the defence industry.

The 2024 funding will specifically address critical capability gaps in areas such as force mobility, air and missile defence, and counter-drone systems, with €45 million earmarked for disruptive technologies.

Key projects receiving support include METASTEALTH, which focuses on next-generation stealth materials, EUROSWEEP for a standard European autonomous minesweeping system, and ENGRTII aimed at developing a next-generation European rotorcraft by 2030.

Ukrainian defence industries are now actively involved in EDF projects, supported by the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv, which promotes collaboration between European and Ukrainian defence sectors.

Among the Ukrainian initiatives is the Small UAS project, which emphasizes AI-powered aerial systems, showcasing Ukraine's emerging role in regional defence innovation.

The EDF has a total budget of €7.3 billion allocated for the period from 2021 to 2027, focusing on cross-border cooperation among various companies and research organizations within the EU and Norway.

Of the total €910 million investment, €369 million is allocated for 39 research projects, while €539 million is designated for 23 projects focused on developing new defence capabilities.