Improved cyber defence operations capabilities

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance innovative and reliable solutions that strengthen military cyberspace operations for EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. It focuses on automating and distributing cyber operations, synchronizing cyber and kinetic exercises, and addressing challenges using emerging technologies such as AI, distributed sensor networks, cloud computing, and data fusion. Key areas include enhancing cyber force capabilities, improving mission-focused cyber situational awareness, and orchestrating distributed cyber actions. The opportunity also aims to boost interoperability and resilience in EU military cyberspace operations.

• Projects must include studies and design of solutions that focus on mission-centric opportunities for cyberspace operations.
• Solutions should aim to reduce human intervention and support mission planning and execution.
• Proposals must ensure interoperability with current or planned military systems.
• System prototyping must involve stakeholders from relevant EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries.
• Optional activities may include large-scale demonstrations with national or EU end-users for various use cases.
• Projects must not exceed 24 months in duration and should demonstrate synergy with related national, multinational, or EU activities.

Examples:

• A project designing an AI-driven system that automates cyber threat detection and response for military networks.
• A consortium developing a prototype for a distributed sensor network to improve cyber situational awareness during joint military exercises.
• A collaborative effort to test cloud-based orchestration tools that synchronize cyber and kinetic operations across different EU nations.

• Personnel costs for studies, design, and prototyping activities.
• Costs related to system prototyping involving relevant stakeholders.
• Expenses for organizing and conducting large-scale demonstrations.
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and field tests.
• Consultancy and subcontracting for specialized technical tasks.
• Acquisition of equipment and software for prototyping (subject to depreciation rules).
• Materials and consumables used in project activities.
• Communication and dissemination activities.
• Costs for ensuring interoperability with existing or planned military systems.

Restrictions: Only the depreciated portion of equipment costs may be eligible. Refer to the specific call document for detailed expense rules.

• Budget for this grant: 34,000,000€

• Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or an EDF Associated Country.
• Proposals must involve stakeholders from relevant EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries in prototyping activities.
• Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement the project successfully, both financially and operationally.
• Projects must not exceed 24 months in duration.
• Proposals must show how they complement or synergize with other related activities at national, multinational, or EU levels.
• Applicants must comply with the admissibility and eligibility conditions outlined in the call document.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships with relevant stakeholders.