Enhanced Pilot Environment
European Defence Fund (EDF)
Total budget for the call is €54,000,000.
Submission deadline is October 16, 2025.
To develop new equipment and software that enhance pilot situational awareness and improve human-machine interaction.
Focus on integrating advanced technologies such as wearables, optics, haptics, and AI.
EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.
Military pilots and defense technology developers.
Eligible organization types include government entities, research institutions, and defense contractors.
Organizations must demonstrate capacity for collaborative projects.
Eligible countries include all EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.
Projects must involve collaboration across borders.
Focus on developing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technologies.
Proposals must address adaptive human system collaboration and advanced pilot information presentation capabilities.
Funding rate is up to 100% for eligible costs.
Proposals must include a detailed budget and justification for costs.
Application deadline is October 16, 2025.
Projects should be designed for timely implementation and demonstration.
Projects must demonstrate synergy with previous EDF-funded initiatives.
Collaboration with at least two Member States is required.
Detailed project proposal including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Budget breakdown and justification.
Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, and expected impact.
Scoring will consider alignment with EDF objectives.
Proposals will undergo a multi-stage review process.
Evaluation results will be communicated to applicants.
Priority will be given to projects demonstrating cross-border collaboration.
Innovative approaches to HMI and pilot support will be favored.
Proposals must address the integration of manned and unmanned systems.
Focus on developing technologies that enhance pilot safety and effectiveness.
Ensuring interoperability among diverse systems and technologies.
Managing the complexity of integrating new technologies into existing platforms.
Projects should align with EU defense strategies and objectives.
Collaboration with NATO standards is encouraged.
Strong emphasis on innovation may provide a competitive edge.
Challenges in meeting stringent technical requirements could disadvantage some applicants.
Demonstrating clear benefits of proposed technologies for pilot performance.
Engaging with stakeholders early in the proposal process.
Underestimating the complexity of technology integration.
Failing to adequately address collaboration requirements.
Focus on building strong consortia with diverse expertise.
Ensure proposals are aligned with EDF strategic objectives.
Highlight unique technological innovations and their potential impact.
Emphasize collaborative aspects of the project.