Naval hybrid propulsion and power systems

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop, prototype, and demonstrate advanced modular and hybrid propulsion systems, as well as hybrid DC power systems, for military vessels. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas and hazardous emissions during peacetime, while ensuring high autonomy, survivability, and low detectability during wartime. Focus areas include adapting civilian technologies for naval use, integrating them into naval platforms, and addressing a broad range of vessel types—from small combat boats to large destroyers. Key priorities are modularity, scalability, energy efficiency, and meeting demanding military performance standards. Thematic scope centers on propulsion, power, and energy systems for defense applications.

• Projects must generate or integrate new knowledge, products, or technologies relevant to defense.
• They must include research studies, design, prototyping, and demonstration activities for naval propulsion and energy systems.
• Proposals should address digital twin design and validation for power and propulsion systems.
• Feasibility studies and technical risk reduction through partial testing are required.
• Applicants must comply with page limits, layout, and eligibility conditions as specified in the application guidelines.
• Projects must focus on energy efficiency, modularity, and military performance.

Example Projects:

• Developing and testing a prototype hybrid-electric propulsion system for a high-speed military patrol boat.
• Designing a modular DC power architecture with advanced control for scalable naval platforms.
• Creating and validating a digital twin to optimize the lifecycle management of a destroyer's propulsion system.

• Research and development activities for new defense technologies
• Integration work to improve interoperability and resilience of naval systems
• Feasibility studies for innovative propulsion and energy solutions
• Design and engineering of defense products and components
• System prototyping and demonstration
• Testing, qualification, and certification processes
• Development of digital twins and advanced control strategies
• Activities to boost efficiency across the lifecycle of naval technologies
• Expenses related to mastery of critical defense technologies

Restrictions: All expenses must be directly related to the project objectives and comply with the application guidelines.

Budget for this call: 20,000,000€

• Applicants must be based in eligible countries as specified in the call guidelines.
• Applicants must show sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Applicants must not be subject to exclusion criteria set in the call.
• Proposals must align with the stated objectives, such as generating or integrating knowledge, conducting studies, and designing defense products.
• Projects must include required research, design, and demonstration tasks.
• Applicants must follow the page limits and layout requirements in the application form.
• Eligibility may depend on the involvement of specific networks or partnerships as outlined in the call.