Digital Ship and Naval Combat Cloud

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop, prototype, and test a digital platform that serves as a European infrastructure for integrating and operating Ship Operational and Tactical Systems (SOTS). The initiative targets the creation of a multidomain naval combat cloud, connecting ship-level systems with broader, joint military clouds. Key focus areas include boosting operational readiness, mission effectiveness, and cost efficiency throughout the lifecycle of naval assets. The opportunity emphasizes enhancing interoperability and resilience among EU Member States’ naval forces, with special attention to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. Only cloud service providers based, owned, and controlled in the EU or associated countries are eligible.

• Projects must generate, integrate, or demonstrate new knowledge and technologies for naval operations.
• Mandatory activities include design, prototyping, and testing of digital platforms for ship systems.
• Optional activities may include qualification, certification, and lifecycle efficiency improvements.
• Projects should aim to enhance interoperability, scalability, and cybersecurity of naval cloud systems.
• Proposals must adhere to the application format and page limits set by the call.

Examples:

• Developing and testing a prototype for a secure naval combat cloud platform connecting multiple ships.
• Designing a modular system to improve data exchange and decision-making between EU naval vessels.
• Integrating AI-based analytics into ship management systems to boost operational efficiency and security.

• Costs for designing digital naval platforms
• Expenses related to prototyping and building test systems
• Testing and validation costs for new technologies
• Feasibility and technical studies
• Integration of AI and big data analytics tools
• Cybersecurity enhancements and testing
• Depreciation of equipment used for prototyping
• Certification and qualification-related expenses (if included)

Restrictions: The total price of equipment may not be fully eligible; depreciation rules may apply. Please consult the call guidelines for detailed requirements.

Budget for this grant: 54,000,000€

• Applicants must be established in the EU or an associated country.
• Cloud service providers must be based, owned, and controlled within the EU or an associated country.
• Applicants must meet specific financial and operational capacity requirements.
• Proposals must comply with all conditions outlined in the call documentation.
• Applicants must not be subject to exclusion criteria as defined in the call.
• Eligibility may require forming partnerships or consortia, especially for cross-border cooperation.
• Only activities and partners meeting all eligibility rules will be considered for funding.