European Commission assigns €1 billion for defence R&D

The European Commission has allocated €1 billion for joint defence research and development under the 2026 European Defence Fund (EDF) Work Programme.

The institution published the 2026 EDF Work Programme on 17/12/2025. It will fund 31 collaborative research and development topics.

The key priority areas of investment have been agreed by Member States, spanning core defence capabilities, future technologies and defence innovation. The topics covered by the calls for proposals are quantum-secured networks, electronic warfare, multi-domain operations cloud, high-performance energy systems, as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear decontamination, or using AI and swarms of small robots and drones for tactical awareness. There is also a non-thematic call dedicated to SMEs and research organisations. A €68 million call for proposals is dedicated to research on countering hypersonic glide vehicles.

In total, €329.9m is dedicated to research and €676.1m to development.

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said: "For the sixth time, we are investing…