8.3.3Participation of Flanders and Belgium in the European Defence Fund and its precursors PADR and EDIDP

PADR (2017-2019) and EDIDP (2019-2020) are the precursors of the EDF. Belgium participated in 6 PADR projects and 13 EDIDP projects. Of these, 3 PADR projects and 6 EDIDP projects can be attributed to Flanders.

Table 1. Overview of PADR and EDIDP-projects with Flemish participation

CallProjectDescription
PADR 2017OCEAN2020Unmanned Systems - Open Cooperation for European mAritime awareNess
PADR 2019AIDEDEmerging Game Changers – Artificial Intelligence for the detection of explosives devices
PADR 2019PILUMEmerging Game Changers – Projectiles for increased Long-range effects Using Electro-Magnetic railgun
EDIDP 2019iMUGSIntegrated Modular Unmanned Ground System – Multipurpose unmanned ground system
EDIDP 2019LynkEUsUpgrade of current and development of next generation ground-based precision strike capabilities (*)
EDIDP 2019GEODEGalileo for EU Defence - Development of European standardized and sovereign Galileo PRS navigation receiver capabilities compatible with GPS/PRS solution for military purposes (**)
EDIDP 2020MIRICLEMine Risk Clearance for Europe – Solutions to detect, identify, counter and protect against mine threats (incl. those operating at very high depths)
EDIDP 2020ODIN'S EYEmulitnatiOnal Development INitiatieve for a Space-based missile early-warning architecture - Early warning against ballistic missile threats through initial detection and tracking of ballistic missiles before handing over to ground based radars
EDIDP 2020MUSHERDevelopment of a generic European Manned unmanned Teaming (e-MUNT) system Upgrading or developing next generation combat helicopters
CallProjectDescription
PADR 2017OCEAN2020Unmanned Systems - Open Cooperation for European mAritime awareNess
PADR 2019AIDEDEmerging Game Changers – Artificial Intelligence for the detection of explosives devices
PADR 2019PILUMEmerging Game Changers – Projectiles for increased Long-range effects Using Electro-Magnetic railgun
EDIDP 2019iMUGSIntegrated Modular Unmanned Ground System – Multipurpose unmanned ground system
EDIDP 2019LynkEUsUpgrade of current and development of next generation ground-based precision strike capabilities (*)
EDIDP 2019GEODEGalileo for EU Defence - Development of European standardized and sovereign Galileo PRS navigation receiver capabilities compatible with GPS/PRS solution for military purposes (**)
EDIDP 2020MIRICLEMine Risk Clearance for Europe – Solutions to detect, identify, counter and protect against mine threats (incl. those operating at very high depths)
EDIDP 2020ODIN'S EYEmulitnatiOnal Development INitiatieve for a Space-based missile early-warning architecture - Early warning against ballistic missile threats through initial detection and tracking of ballistic missiles before handing over to ground based radars
EDIDP 2020MUSHERDevelopment of a generic European Manned unmanned Teaming (e-MUNT) system Upgrading or developing next generation combat helicopters
CallProjectDescription
PADR 2017OCEAN2020Unmanned Systems - Open Cooperation for European mAritime awareNess
PADR 2019AIDEDEmerging Game Changers – Artificial Intelligence for the detection of explosives devices
PADR 2019PILUMEmerging Game Changers – Projectiles for increased Long-range effects Using Electro-Magnetic railgun
EDIDP 2019iMUGSIntegrated Modular Unmanned Ground System – Multipurpose unmanned ground system
EDIDP 2019LynkEUsUpgrade of current and development of next generation ground-based precision strike capabilities (*)
EDIDP 2019GEODEGalileo for EU Defence - Development of European standardized and sovereign Galileo PRS navigation receiver capabilities compatible with GPS/PRS solution for military purposes (**)
EDIDP 2020MIRICLEMine Risk Clearance for Europe – Solutions to detect, identify, counter and protect against mine threats (incl. those operating at very high depths)
EDIDP 2020ODIN'S EYEmulitnatiOnal Development INitiatieve for a Space-based missile early-warning architecture - Early warning against ballistic missile threats through initial detection and tracking of ballistic missiles before handing over to ground based radars
EDIDP 2020MUSHERDevelopment of a generic European Manned unmanned Teaming (e-MUNT) system Upgrading or developing next generation combat helicopters

Source: SPF Economy and EDF webpage

(*) Related PESCO project: EU Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) Land Battlefield Missile Systems
(**) Related PESCO project: EURAS

In 2021, Belgium participated in 24 EDF projects, in 2022 in 18 projects, in 2023 in 27 projects and in 2024 in 24 projects. The projects with Flemish participants are shown in the table below. This concerns 8 projects for 2021, 9 projects for 2022, 14 projects in 2023 and 8 projects for 2024.

Table 2. Overview of EDF projects with Flemish participants (2021-2023)

CallProjectDescription
2021EICACSEuropean Initiatieve for Collaborative Air Combat Standardisation - European interoperability standard for collaborative air combat
2021NEUMANNNoval Energy and propulsion systeMs for Air dominance - Alternative propulsion and energy systems for next generation air combat systems
2021MARSEUSModular Architecture Solution for EU States - BLOS collaborative close combat architecture
2021AGAMI_ EURIGAMIEuropean Innovative GaN Advanced Microwave Integration - Advanced RF components
2021ACHILEAugmented capability for high end soldiers - Development of full-size demonstrators for soldier systems
2021HEROICHigh Efficiency Read Out Circuits - Infrared detectors
2021EPWEuropean Protected Waveform - European protected waveform and accompanying technologies for resilient satellite communications against jamming
2021NavguardAdvanced Galileo PRS resilience for EU Defence - Space- and ground-based NAVWAR surveillance
2022AIDEDexArtificial Intelligence for Detection of Explosive Devices - Unmanned ground and aerial systems for hidden threats detection
2022CONVOYCIOod iNtelligent explosive detection sYstem - Unmanned ground and aerial systems for hidden threats detection
2022EUROGUARDEUROpean Goal based mUlti mission Autonomous naval Reference platform Development - Medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessel
2022iMedCapDevelopment of intelligent military capabilities for monitoring, medical care and evacuation for contagious, injured and contaminated personnel - Diagnostics, treatment, transport and monitoring of highly contagious, injured and/or contaminated personnel
2022PROTEASDePloyable Special OpeRations Forces MulTI Environment CommAnd Post and C2 System
2022RESILIENCEEuropean Strategic alliance for research, development and innovation on medical coutnermeasures against CBRN threats - Framework partnership agreement to support EU defence medical countermeasures Alliance
2022SILENTStudies and pre-design of next-generation quiet hypersonic wind tunnel facilities for EuropeaN strategic autonomy - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
2022SPIDERSpace based Persistent ISR for Defence and Europe Reinforement - Innovative multi-sensor space-based Earth observation capabilities towards persistent and reactive ISR
2022THEMATecHnology for ElectroMagnetic Artillery - Electromagnetic artillery demonstrator
2023ACTUSAdvanced capabilities and certification for Tactical UAV Systems - Tactical Remote Piloted Aerial Systems
2023AIDAAI Deployable Agent - Deployable autonomous AI agent
2023AtLaSAI-based Natural Language Processing of Low-Quality and Multilingual Data in Defence Applications with User Adaptation – Human Language technologies
2023AVALONUnderwAter optical wireless communication network architecture empowerd by advanced optical materiaLs for sea bOrder protection and deep-sea exploration - Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
2023BODYGUARDAutonomous SSA Bodyguard Onboard Satellite - Threat surveillance and protection of space-based assets
2023CALIPSOInnovative propulsion solutions for land and naval defence applications ) Innovative propulsion systems (spin-in)
2023CATHERINACamouflage THERmal Intelligent and Adaptive - Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
2023E=MCMEuropean Extended Mine Countermeasures – Mine countermeasures
2023ECOSYSTEMEuropean COmon SupplY chain for Sovereign T2SL and infrared Modules - Optronics detector
2023GENIUSNext Generation of IA and combat cloud systems for Neutralization of Unexploed threatS – Defeating unexploded explosives ordnances and IEDs
2023NG-MIMANext Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics - Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems
2023RESILIENCE-R-2023First research action for Medical counter measures performed in the frame of the RESILIENCE FPA consortium – medical countermeasures
2023Swarm-C3Command, Control, and Communication for Multi-X-Swarms - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies
2023SWIFTSustainable Water Innovations for Fielded Troops - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies
2024ENGRT IIEuropean Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Phase II
2024PRECISEPrediction and Response of Effectors on Critical Infrastructure and Structural Environments
2024iMUGS2Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System 2
2024ePERFECTEuropean High-Performance Processor for RF Defense Applications
2024NEREUSNaval systEm of systems and integrated sUrvivability of future EU platformS
2024ORIGAMIDrOne swaRm navigation in Gnss-degraded And non-perMIssive environments
2024EDF2024-EPW-Phase2European Protected Waveform (Phase 2)
2024ASTERIONAdaptive and Secure Technology-Enabling Reliable and Integrated Opto-acoustic underwater Networking
CallProjectDescription
2021EICACSEuropean Initiatieve for Collaborative Air Combat Standardisation - European interoperability standard for collaborative air combat
2021NEUMANNNoval Energy and propulsion systeMs for Air dominance - Alternative propulsion and energy systems for next generation air combat systems
2021MARSEUSModular Architecture Solution for EU States - BLOS collaborative close combat architecture
2021AGAMI_ EURIGAMIEuropean Innovative GaN Advanced Microwave Integration - Advanced RF components
2021ACHILEAugmented capability for high end soldiers - Development of full-size demonstrators for soldier systems
2021HEROICHigh Efficiency Read Out Circuits - Infrared detectors
2021EPWEuropean Protected Waveform - European protected waveform and accompanying technologies for resilient satellite communications against jamming
2021NavguardAdvanced Galileo PRS resilience for EU Defence - Space- and ground-based NAVWAR surveillance
2022AIDEDexArtificial Intelligence for Detection of Explosive Devices - Unmanned ground and aerial systems for hidden threats detection
2022CONVOYCIOod iNtelligent explosive detection sYstem - Unmanned ground and aerial systems for hidden threats detection
2022EUROGUARDEUROpean Goal based mUlti mission Autonomous naval Reference platform Development - Medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessel
2022iMedCapDevelopment of intelligent military capabilities for monitoring, medical care and evacuation for contagious, injured and contaminated personnel - Diagnostics, treatment, transport and monitoring of highly contagious, injured and/or contaminated personnel
2022PROTEASDePloyable Special OpeRations Forces MulTI Environment CommAnd Post and C2 System
2022RESILIENCEEuropean Strategic alliance for research, development and innovation on medical coutnermeasures against CBRN threats - Framework partnership agreement to support EU defence medical countermeasures Alliance
2022SILENTStudies and pre-design of next-generation quiet hypersonic wind tunnel facilities for EuropeaN strategic autonomy - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
2022SPIDERSpace based Persistent ISR for Defence and Europe Reinforement - Innovative multi-sensor space-based Earth observation capabilities towards persistent and reactive ISR
2022THEMATecHnology for ElectroMagnetic Artillery - Electromagnetic artillery demonstrator
2023ACTUSAdvanced capabilities and certification for Tactical UAV Systems - Tactical Remote Piloted Aerial Systems
2023AIDAAI Deployable Agent - Deployable autonomous AI agent
2023AtLaSAI-based Natural Language Processing of Low-Quality and Multilingual Data in Defence Applications with User Adaptation – Human Language technologies
2023AVALONUnderwAter optical wireless communication network architecture empowerd by advanced optical materiaLs for sea bOrder protection and deep-sea exploration - Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
2023BODYGUARDAutonomous SSA Bodyguard Onboard Satellite - Threat surveillance and protection of space-based assets
2023CALIPSOInnovative propulsion solutions for land and naval defence applications ) Innovative propulsion systems (spin-in)
2023CATHERINACamouflage THERmal Intelligent and Adaptive - Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
2023E=MCMEuropean Extended Mine Countermeasures – Mine countermeasures
2023ECOSYSTEMEuropean COmon SupplY chain for Sovereign T2SL and infrared Modules - Optronics detector
2023GENIUSNext Generation of IA and combat cloud systems for Neutralization of Unexploed threatS – Defeating unexploded explosives ordnances and IEDs
2023NG-MIMANext Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics - Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems
2023RESILIENCE-R-2023First research action for Medical counter measures performed in the frame of the RESILIENCE FPA consortium – medical countermeasures
2023Swarm-C3Command, Control, and Communication for Multi-X-Swarms - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies
2023SWIFTSustainable Water Innovations for Fielded Troops - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies
2024ENGRT IIEuropean Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Phase II
2024PRECISEPrediction and Response of Effectors on Critical Infrastructure and Structural Environments
2024iMUGS2Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System 2
2024ePERFECTEuropean High-Performance Processor for RF Defense Applications
2024NEREUSNaval systEm of systems and integrated sUrvivability of future EU platformS
2024ORIGAMIDrOne swaRm navigation in Gnss-degraded And non-perMIssive environments
2024EDF2024-EPW-Phase2European Protected Waveform (Phase 2)
2024ASTERIONAdaptive and Secure Technology-Enabling Reliable and Integrated Opto-acoustic underwater Networking
CallProjectDescription
2021EICACSEuropean Initiatieve for Collaborative Air Combat Standardisation - European interoperability standard for collaborative air combat
2021NEUMANNNoval Energy and propulsion systeMs for Air dominance - Alternative propulsion and energy systems for next generation air combat systems
2021MARSEUSModular Architecture Solution for EU States - BLOS collaborative close combat architecture
2021AGAMI_ EURIGAMIEuropean Innovative GaN Advanced Microwave Integration - Advanced RF components
2021ACHILEAugmented capability for high end soldiers - Development of full-size demonstrators for soldier systems
2021HEROICHigh Efficiency Read Out Circuits - Infrared detectors
2021EPWEuropean Protected Waveform - European protected waveform and accompanying technologies for resilient satellite communications against jamming
2021NavguardAdvanced Galileo PRS resilience for EU Defence - Space- and ground-based NAVWAR surveillance
2022AIDEDexArtificial Intelligence for Detection of Explosive Devices - Unmanned ground and aerial systems for hidden threats detection
2022CONVOYCIOod iNtelligent explosive detection sYstem - Unmanned ground and aerial systems for hidden threats detection
2022EUROGUARDEUROpean Goal based mUlti mission Autonomous naval Reference platform Development - Medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessel
2022iMedCapDevelopment of intelligent military capabilities for monitoring, medical care and evacuation for contagious, injured and contaminated personnel - Diagnostics, treatment, transport and monitoring of highly contagious, injured and/or contaminated personnel
2022PROTEASDePloyable Special OpeRations Forces MulTI Environment CommAnd Post and C2 System
2022RESILIENCEEuropean Strategic alliance for research, development and innovation on medical coutnermeasures against CBRN threats - Framework partnership agreement to support EU defence medical countermeasures Alliance
2022SILENTStudies and pre-design of next-generation quiet hypersonic wind tunnel facilities for EuropeaN strategic autonomy - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies for defence
2022SPIDERSpace based Persistent ISR for Defence and Europe Reinforement - Innovative multi-sensor space-based Earth observation capabilities towards persistent and reactive ISR
2022THEMATecHnology for ElectroMagnetic Artillery - Electromagnetic artillery demonstrator
2023ACTUSAdvanced capabilities and certification for Tactical UAV Systems - Tactical Remote Piloted Aerial Systems
2023AIDAAI Deployable Agent - Deployable autonomous AI agent
2023AtLaSAI-based Natural Language Processing of Low-Quality and Multilingual Data in Defence Applications with User Adaptation – Human Language technologies
2023AVALONUnderwAter optical wireless communication network architecture empowerd by advanced optical materiaLs for sea bOrder protection and deep-sea exploration - Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
2023BODYGUARDAutonomous SSA Bodyguard Onboard Satellite - Threat surveillance and protection of space-based assets
2023CALIPSOInnovative propulsion solutions for land and naval defence applications ) Innovative propulsion systems (spin-in)
2023CATHERINACamouflage THERmal Intelligent and Adaptive - Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and research organisations
2023E=MCMEuropean Extended Mine Countermeasures – Mine countermeasures
2023ECOSYSTEMEuropean COmon SupplY chain for Sovereign T2SL and infrared Modules - Optronics detector
2023GENIUSNext Generation of IA and combat cloud systems for Neutralization of Unexploed threatS – Defeating unexploded explosives ordnances and IEDs
2023NG-MIMANext Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics - Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems
2023RESILIENCE-R-2023First research action for Medical counter measures performed in the frame of the RESILIENCE FPA consortium – medical countermeasures
2023Swarm-C3Command, Control, and Communication for Multi-X-Swarms - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies
2023SWIFTSustainable Water Innovations for Fielded Troops - Non-thematic research actions targeting disruptive technologies
2024ENGRT IIEuropean Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Phase II
2024PRECISEPrediction and Response of Effectors on Critical Infrastructure and Structural Environments
2024iMUGS2Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System 2
2024ePERFECTEuropean High-Performance Processor for RF Defense Applications
2024NEREUSNaval systEm of systems and integrated sUrvivability of future EU platformS
2024ORIGAMIDrOne swaRm navigation in Gnss-degraded And non-perMIssive environments
2024EDF2024-EPW-Phase2European Protected Waveform (Phase 2)
2024ASTERIONAdaptive and Secure Technology-Enabling Reliable and Integrated Opto-acoustic underwater Networking

Source: Ministry of Defence, FPS economy and EDF-webpage

Flemish actors succeed in participating in follow-up projects

From the project data and participations, we observe that several actors manage to be present in successive projects:

  • On the topic of Artificial Intelligence for the detection of explosive devices (AIDED and AIDEDex)
  • On the topic of medical countermeasures (RESILIENCE and RESILIENCER-2023)
  • On MineCounter-Measures (MIRICLE and E=MCM)
  • On the topic of European protected waveform (EPW en EPW phase 2)
  • On the topic of integrated modular unmanned ground system (iMUGS en iMUGS2)