The European Commission has introduced a new €115 million funding instrument, AGILE, aimed at enabling the rapid deployment of breakthrough defense technologies. This was reported by the European Commission’s press service.
“This pilot instrument is set to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations and their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum or drones, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and scale-ups. The overall objective of the Programme is to support the rapid innovation potential of SMEs, including innovative startups and scaling companies, in order to ensure the swift delivery of new and disruptive defense products and technologies addressing the latest and rapidly evolving challenges faced by the armed forces of EU Member States, particularly those arising from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with a focus on cost efficiency,” the proposal states.
Thus, the Programme will contribute to the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and strengthen the EU’s defense readiness, while reducing strategic dependencies on non-associated third countries.
“With modern warfare going through a rapid digital and technological transformation, AGILE is designed for the ‘New Defence' players, the startups and tech innovators who move at high speed,” the European Commission added.
It also noted that AGILE aims to operate with an unprecedented grant award timeline of just four months, while defense forces are expected to receive technologies within 1–3 years.
AGILE will support between 20 and 30 projects, providing up to 100% funding of all costs. Companies will also be able to claim reimbursement for expenses incurred up to three months prior to the application deadline to facilitate rapid innovation deployment.
“The work programme will cover two main types of activities: mission-driven development of disruptive defence products and technologies, and market delivery by helping defence solutions reach the actual markets,” the statement said.
It is emphasized that the programme will fully align with the most urgent needs of EU Member States and ensure that European defense remains innovative and ready to respond instantly to any threat.
Next, the European Commission will submit a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for the adoption of a new Regulation establishing AGILE, in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.
The instrument is expected to become operational from early 2027, enabling the rapid deployment of new technologies within European armed forces.
