The 2024 EDF Work Programme addresses 32 call topics in total, structured along 6 thematic calls for proposals, 2 non-thematic calls for proposals and 2 actions in support of the Alliance for Defence Medical Countermeasures.
It will support projects in critical defence domains, such as countering hypersonic missiles, developing a broad range of unmanned vehicles in the air and on the ground, as well as secure space communication. It also prepares the ground for next generation defence systems, such as helicopters and mid-size cargo aircraft.
Furthermore, the work programme provides a wide range of support measures to promote defence innovation and inclusiveness through the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) with a total funding of €225 million. This includes Technological Challenges on space and on sensors, a spin-in call under the ‘Materials and components’ category of action and a call with sub-call (cascade funding) for start-ups and SMEs under ‘Simulation and training’, as well as open, non-thematic calls for SMEs.