European Commission's Major Investment in Defense

The European Commission has announced a significant investment of €910 million under the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF) to modernize Europe's defense sector. This initiative aims to address critical capability gaps and strengthen the defense industry across the continent.

Innovative Projects and International Collaboration

This year's funding will support a variety of cutting-edge projects, including AI-driven drones and stealth technologies. Notably, it marks the first participation of Ukrainian defense industries in EDF collaborations, highlighting the EU's commitment to supporting its partners.

Strengthening Europe's Defense Capabilities

With a budget of €7.3 billion through 2027, the EDF stands as the EU's primary mechanism for advancing defense research and development. The 2024 round attracted 299 proposals from 25 member states and Norway, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) securing over 27% of the funds.

Commissioner's Statement on Defense Priorities

"The selected proposals are pivotal in developing critical capabilities such as air and missile defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles," stated Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space. "These advancements will empower European armed forces to counter emerging threats and safeguard our citizens, reinforcing our collective defense and aiding partners like Ukraine in their self-defense efforts against foreign aggression."