EDF updates: the 2027 programme and new opportunities for companies
The European Defence Fund is preparing its programme for 2027, expanding cooperation with Ukraine and opening up further routes for companies to get involved. We provide an overview of the latest developments and opportunities to join projects through cascade funding.
2. 11. 2026
For Czech companies developing technologies for defence applications, the European Defence Fund (EDF) brings several important updates. Alongside preparations for the next work programme, opportunities for cooperation with Ukrainian partners are expanding. Smaller businesses can also explore opportunities to join funded projects through financial support to third parties.
The EDF programme for 2027 is expected in December
According to the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP), the EDF work programme for 2027 is expected to be published in mid-December 2026. This is an expected date. The specific topics and conditions can be assessed once the programme has been published.
At the same time, suggestions for new topics for 2028–2029 can be submitted through AOBP. Companies can thus highlight technological areas and research or development needs they consider important for future calls.
Ukraine is now an associated country of the EDF
Since 16 October 2026, Ukraine has been an associated country of the European Defence Fund, like Norway. The European Commission confirmed that the agreement had entered into force.
Ukrainian companies involved in projects under the EDF 2026 calls can therefore receive funding as direct recipients, or beneficiaries, provided they meet the conditions. Ukraine has also appointed national contact points for the EDF and gains the opportunity to host hackathons under EUDIS, the European programme supporting defence innovation.
For Czech companies, this expands the opportunities to form international consortia and find partners for joint research and development.
FSTP: another route to joining EDF projects
The Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) mechanism, also known as cascade funding, enables companies to obtain support through a consortium implementing an EDF project. Project consortia issue the sub-calls directly. This route is particularly relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, including companies with no previous experience in the defence sector.
In the coming months, further opportunities are expected, particularly within the following projects:
- ACHILE2 – demonstrators of next-generation soldier systems,
- D-STORM, EURODAMM, LUMINA, SKYRAPTOR and TALON – affordable drone munitions for mass production.
Specific dates, technical requirements and participation conditions should be monitored through the individual consortia. An opportunity being prepared does not in itself mean that applications are already open.
Prepare your company for further opportunities
Clarify what solution your company can contribute to a joint project and start looking for suitable partners early. For FSTP, also monitor the individual project websites, where consortia will publish the required technologies and application procedures.
Alongside the EDF, depending on the focus of your project, you can also follow the PRODEF programme for applied research in the defence industry or the forthcoming AGILE programme, aimed at accelerating the development, testing and deployment of defence innovations.
Would you like to explore funding options for your research and development in the defence sector? Arrange a consultation with our experts. Together, we will assess your project and suitable funding opportunities.
