Space-based ISR constellation

The main goal of this opportunity is to foster the development of advanced and collaborative defence technologies within the European Union. It focuses on designing, prototyping, and testing new systems across areas such as naval combat, land and air systems, and space-based intelligence. Emphasis is placed on improving interoperability, resilience, cybersecurity, and operational effectiveness. Projects should address critical defence needs, encourage cross-border collaboration, and promote solutions that are scalable and modular. All activities must take place in eligible European countries or territories.

• Develop a modular, scalable European SBISR constellation using multi-sensor small satellites and a federated digital access layer
• Design full system architecture including space and ground segments, with focus on responsiveness, interoperability, and affordability
• Advance payload technologies to TRL 6, plan demonstration satellites, and integrate national and existing capabilities
• Build a Federation Layer prototype for secure, harmonised tasking, data processing, and sharing across multiple missions
• Ensure cost-effective development with multi-user access, adaptable governance, and early operational ISR capabilities for EU defence

Examples:

• A consortium from France, Germany, and Italy develops a modular land vehicle platform with advanced cybersecurity features.
• Three companies from Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands prototype a new naval combat system to improve interoperability among EU navies.
• A partnership between organizations in Poland, Greece, and Finland tests a space-based surveillance technology for enhanced ISR capabilities.

• Personnel costs, including employees, direct contracts, seconded staff, SME owners, and individual beneficiaries
• Subcontracting costs (must be performed in eligible countries)
• Travel and subsistence expenses (actual costs only)
• Equipment costs (depreciation or full cost for certain prototyping equipment)
• Purchase of other goods, works, and services needed for the project
• Financial support to third parties (only for specified topics)
• Internally invoiced goods and services
• Indirect costs (flat-rate of 25% of eligible direct costs, with some exclusions)
• Non-deductible/non-refundable VAT (with exceptions for some public bodies)

Expenses must be incurred in eligible countries and comply with the Grant Agreement's rules.

• Total budget of the grant: 546,500,000 €
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 66,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities (public or private organizations).
• Applicants must be established in eligible countries: EU Member States, their overseas territories, or listed EEA countries.
• Each project must be submitted by at least three independent applicants from three different eligible countries.
• Applicants must show they have the experience, qualifications, and resources to carry out the project.
• Applicants must not be in situations such as bankruptcy, fraud, or corruption, and cannot be excluded by EU decisions.
• Natural persons are not eligible, except for self-employed individuals where their company has no separate legal identity.
• All eligibility conditions must be met at the time of proposal submission.