EU unveils €115m plan to fast-track new defence technology

The European Commission has announced a €115 million funding programme aimed at speeding up the development of new defence technologies and getting them onto the battlefield more quickly.

The scheme, called AGILE, will focus on supporting small businesses and start-ups working on areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, robotics, cybersecurity and space.

Brussels says the war in Ukraine has shown that modern warfare depends on rapid innovation. New tools need to be developed and deployed in weeks or months rather than years.

Under the plan, 20 to 30 projects will receive grants of €1 million to €5 million, covering up to 100% of costs. Funding decisions are expected within four months, and technologies should be ready for use within one to three years.

Companies from EU countries, as well as Norway and Ukraine, will be able to apply when the first call opens early next year.

EU Defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius said the programme is designed to support faster, more flexible innovators, rather than relying mainly on large defence firms, which tend to be slower and more expensive.

The proposal still needs approval from the European Parliament and member states, with the programme expected to begin in 2027.

^{Brussels European Defence Exhibition © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}