For the first time, Ukrainian gunsmiths can join European Defense Fund projects
30 April 17:07
The European Commission will invest EUR 910 million under the European Defense Fund to create a strong and innovative defense industry in Europe. This is stated in a statement by the European Commission, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
It is noted that for the first time, the Ukrainian defense industry may be involved in the Fund’s projects.
According to European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, priority in funding is given to the development of critical capabilities, such as air and missile defense systems, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.
“This will allow the European armed forces to respond to new threats and protect EU citizens, whether by strengthening collective defense or by supporting partners such as Ukraine in their efforts to defend themselves against foreign aggression,” the official said.
It is reported that among the recently selected applications for funding is also the Ukrainian project “Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” which focuses on the development of advanced air systems based on artificial intelligence.
Who can apply for investments from the EU Defense Fund
A record number of 299 applications were submitted by the EU defense industry and research organizations to participate in the fourth call announced by the European Defense Fund. A total of 625 legal entities from 25 EU member states and Norway expressed their willingness to cooperate with the fund.
Small and medium-sized businesses play an important role in the development of defense proposals. More than 38% of all participating organizations and more than 27% of the total amount of funding provided are from such enterprises.
As a result of the competition, more than €360 million has been allocated for 39 research projects and €539 million for 23 capacity building projects.
What projects have received funding from the fund
45 million euros of this year’s investment is specifically allocated to support breakthrough technologies developed to significantly change or replace existing defense products.
Nine of the selected projects aim to implement disruptive technologies, such as the METASTEALTH project, which develops next-generation stealth materials.
Another example is the ENGRTII project, which brings together more than 45 industrial players and research organizations whose efforts will be combined to develop a next-generation European helicopter by 2030.
Another project, called EUROSWEEP, will focus on creating a joint autonomous European demining system.
It is reported that all proposals within these competitions that met the required quality standards received the STEP label, which should help manufacturers attract further public and private funding.
In March of this year, the European Commission presented the White Paper on European Defense – Readiness 2030 and the €800 billion European Rearmament Plan, an ambitious defense package that provides EU member states with financial levers to increase investment in defense capabilities.
