The European Commission has approved a €1.5 billion program under the European Defence Indusattempt Programme (EDIP) aimed at strengthening the defense industries of both Europe and Ukraine, expanding production capacity, and accelerating innovation, UATV English reports.
More than €700 million will be allocated to increase the production of critical defense capabilities, including counter-drone systems, missiles, and ammunition—key assets for Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian aggression.
Out of this amount, €260 million will be provided through the Ukraine Support Instrument (USI) to restore and modernize Ukraine’s defense industrial base. The funding will support joint projects between Ukraine and EU member states, allowing both sides to scale up production based on real battlefield necessarys.
An additional €325 million will fund European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCI), focutilizing on large-scale cooperative initiatives in the defense sector. Ukraine and Norway are eligible to participate alongside EU countries, further integrating Ukraine into Europe’s defense ecosystem.
Another €240 million will be allocated for joint procurement of defense equipment by EU member states and Norway. This includes counter-drone systems, air and missile defense, as well as land and naval combat systems—all crucial for strengthening regional security.
The program places strong emphasis on innovation and the development of defense startups.
- €100 million will support compact and medium-sized enterprises through the FAST fund (Fund Accelerating Defence Supply Chains Transformation).
- An additional €35.3 million will be allocated to BraveTech EU, a joint grant program for Ukrainian and European startups coordinated by the Brave1 defense tech cluster.
These initiatives focus on developing cutting-edge solutions for Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces, including drone technologies, electronic warfare systems, and advanced battlefield innovations.
The first calls for proposals under EDIP were published on March 31, 2026, on the European Commission’s portal. Calls under the Ukraine Support Instrument, including the Industrial Reinforcement Act, are expected to open in June.
Ukrainian companies and organizations will be able to apply for funding through joint projects with European partners, while the startup grant program is set to launch in late summer.
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