European Commission's Major Defense Investment

The European Commission has unveiled a significant investment of €910 million under the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF), aimed at modernizing Europe's defense sector and addressing critical capability gaps.

Innovative Projects and International Collaboration

This year's funding will support a wide range of innovative projects, including AI-driven drones and stealth technologies, with Ukrainian defense industries participating in EDF collaborations for the first time.

Strengthening Europe's Defense Capabilities

With a total budget of €7.3 billion through 2027, the EDF is the EU's key instrument for promoting defense research and development. The 2024 round attracted 299 proposals from 25 member states and Norway, with SMEs securing over 27% of the funds.

Commissioner's Statement on Defense Priorities

"The selected proposals are crucial for developing capabilities like air and missile defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, enhancing our armed forces' ability to counter emerging threats and protect citizens," stated Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space.