Grant Details

GRANT OVERVIEW

Grant name and funding organization

EDF-2025-DA-SPACE-SBISR

European Defence Fund (EDF)

Total funding amount and duration

Total budget: 66000000.0

Duration: Until project completion, with a submission deadline of 2025-10-16

Primary objective and mission statement

To develop a space-based ISR constellation to enhance European defense capabilities.

To create an affordable constellation of small satellites with innovative sensor payloads.

Key stakeholders and beneficiaries

EU Member States

EDF Associated Countries

Defense industry stakeholders

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Organization Requirements

Eligible organization types: government, education, nonprofit, business, individual

Must be a legal entity established in an EU Member State or EDF Associated Country.

Geographic Scope

Eligible countries include all EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.

No geographic limitations specified.

Project Requirements

Focus on developing a constellation of small satellites for ISR applications.

Proposals must cover the development of the overall system including space and ground segments.

Financial Requirements

Total budget for the call is 66000000.0.

Funding rates vary based on the type of activity.

Timeline Requirements

Submission deadline: 2025-10-16.

Proposals must demonstrate timely delivery of ISR capabilities.

Previous Funding Considerations

Projects must be supported by at least two Member States or EDF Associated Countries.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required documentation and materials

Detailed project proposal including technical specifications and budget.

Compliance with military and civilian standards.

Evaluation criteria and scoring system

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with EDF objectives.

Review process and timeline

Evaluation period will follow the submission deadline.

Selection criteria and priorities

Priority given to projects demonstrating collaboration between multiple Member States.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Unique aspects or requirements

Proposals must address the integration of various sensor payloads.

Must demonstrate a scalable architecture for the satellite constellation.

Potential challenges or limitations

Achieving high performance payloads compatible with small satellites.

Ensuring timely data sharing and operational responsiveness.

Strategic alignment opportunities

Projects should align with ongoing EU Space programme initiatives.

Competitive advantages or disadvantages

Collaboration with multiple stakeholders may enhance proposal competitiveness.

KEY INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Critical success factors

Strong collaboration among EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.

Innovative technical solutions for ISR capabilities.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Underestimating the complexity of integrating multiple sensor types.

Failing to meet the submission deadline.

Strategic recommendations for applicants

Engage with potential partners early in the proposal process.

Ensure compliance with all technical and financial requirements.

Competitive positioning advice

Highlight unique technological innovations in proposals.

Demonstrate clear benefits to EU defense capabilities.

Grant Details

space-based technology ISR satellite defense European Defense Fund collaboration surveillance intelligence tactical support
Space-based ISR constellation
EDF-2025-DA-SPACE-SBISR
European Defence Fund (EDF)
None
66000000.00
None
None
EUR
100.00
Oct. 15, 2025, 10 p.m.
To be determined after submission deadline.