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Defence research & development
Investing for a secure tomorrow
All of Europe’s defence capabilities that guarantee our security and sovereignty today are the result of research and development activities years ago. This in turn means that Europe needs to invest in R&D now to ensure its long-term security in a future that will be marked by both digital transformation and geopolitical power shifts.
To reach the full potential of its defence technological and industrial base, more European cooperation in defence R&D is paramount. The European Defence Fund (EDF), established in 2021, aims to foster transnational cooperation for research and development projects among European companies. ASD has been closely accompanying the set-up and implementation of the EDF.
In the new security environment that has been shaken by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is essential not only to focus on filling short-term capability gaps but to put equal emphasis on strengthening long-term technological excellence of the European defence technological and industrial base via appropriate funding of R&D activities and increasing European cooperation.
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factsheetFactsheet about the European Defence FundThe EDF promotes cooperation among companies and research actors of all sizes and geographic origin in the Union, in research and development of state-of-the-art and interoperable defence technology and equipment.
reportBeyond 2040 - EDA Future warfare trends and technology imperatives for European defence“Enhancing EU Military Capabilities beyond 2040” identifies key future trends that will shape capability requirements and technology advances within the next 20 years and beyond.
reportFuture of defenseIn this report, KPMG seeks to imagine the world of defense towards the end of this decade.