European Commission to invest €1.07 billion in 57 defence projects, including in Ukraine

Following the evaluation of the 2025 calls for the European Defence Fund (EDF), the European Commission will invest €1.07 billion in 57 new EDF projects, the European Commission announced on 15 April. 

The Commission said these investments would support the goals set out in the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and provide essential funding for the EU’s four major defence flagships: the European Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the European Air Shield, and the European Space Shield.

The 57 projects selected under the 2025 EDF cover a wide range of critical sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), cyber defence, drones and counter-drone systems.

The EU is also deepening its cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry, supported by the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv. This partnership aims to better integrate Ukraine into the European industrial base. One key initiative, Project STRATUS, will develop an AI-powered cyber defence system for drone swarms. It includes a Ukrainian subcontractor, ensuring the project benefits from direct battlefield experience.

To attract new talent, several projects focused on mass-producing affordable drone munitions will launch ‘sub-calls’ for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These smaller companies can receive up to €60,000 each to integrate new innovations, helping those without previous defence experience to enter the market. Ukrainian entities can also apply. 

The EDF is the EU’s primary instrument to support defence research and development cooperation, with a budget of €7.3 billion for 2021-2027.

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Press release