Europe is embarking on a strategic and well-funded journey to bolster its defense capabilities through a series of ambitious multinational military research and development projects. With over €3 billion ($3.25 billion) dedicated to defense R&D initiatives since May 2021, the European Defence Fund (EDF) announced it would infuse an additional €1.03 billion ($1.3 billion) into a diverse portfolio of over 50 innovative programs.
These initiatives aim to harness technological excellence across various defense domains, including cyber warfare, ground combat, air and naval engagements, space asset protection, and countermeasures against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The fund’s overarching mission is to support critical areas of defense and catalyze Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Among the approved proposals, the EDF has allocated just under €20 million ($21.7 million) for the European System for Outsized Cargo Airlift (ESOCA), a project spearheaded by Germany’s Airbus in collaboration with Safran and Leonardo, to bolster strategic airlift capabilities over 18 months. This initiative explores both immediate and long-term options, reflecting the EU’s commitment to enhancing its air transport competence.
The ground-based sector will witness the rise of the Main ARmoured Tank of Europe (MARTE) and Technologies for existing and Future MBTs (FMBTech), uniting more than 70 industrial players and research organizations to conceive and develop a new European main battle tank.
In the realm of maritime defense, the European Patrol Corvette program — European Patrol Corvette 2 (EPC2) — takes the spotlight with a substantial EU backing of €155 million ($196 million). Over four years, the project, led by the Naviris joint venture, will construct two prototype ships with innovative solutions and systems.
The pursuit of advanced weapon systems is not left behind as the EDF kickstarts the second phase of the Tactical Advanced Laser Optical Systems (TALOS) project. Managed by France’s CILAS and funded with €25 million ($32 million), TALOS-TWO is set to embark on a three-year quest to develop high-power laser weapons aiming at a 100-kilowatt class capability by 2030.
These developments come as the EDF rolls out its calls for 2024, totalling €1.1 billion, slightly less than the previous year’s allocation but nonetheless a testament to Europe’s determination to advance its military technology. The fund prioritizes cross-border collaboration, emphasizing information superiority, air and ground combat, and new generation vehicles including helicopters and unmanned aircraft.
Furthermore, the EDF is fostering an innovation culture through the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), allocating €225 million for companies to bring their cutting-edge ideas to the fore.
Relevant articles:
– Laser weapons and future tanks: European Defense Fund to spend $1.3B on 54 projects, Breaking Defense
– time sub manager, as new acquisition advisor, Breaking Defense
– European Defence Fund opens €1.1B calls for 2024, sciencebusiness.net