The European Commission announced on Thursday that it is allocating over €1 billion to defense research and development projects under the European Defence Fund (EDF). It said it will open calls for project proposals in mid-February and has set a 16 October deadline.
The Commission said the defense program this year will focus on technologies supporting ground combat and force protection capabilities, including for use by the Ukrainian military. The program also intends to provide grants and services to "non-traditional actors" in the sector, including startups and small businesses "to help them overcome defense market entry barriers, bring ideas to the market and make a difference to EU security and defense."