From AI to Quantum: How the European Defence Fund shapes the future of EU Defence Technologies

Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced cloud architectures, quantum technologies, and next-generation digital and sensing systems, are rapidly transforming the nature of modern warfare. To enhance defence readiness and remain competitive, the European defence industry must design, develop, and deliver these technologies faster and at scale.

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space has introduced a series of technology factsheets as part of its efforts to improve understanding of critical defence technologies and to highlight ongoing work at Union level.

These factsheets provide accessible explanations of some of the most relevant technological areas for Europe's security and illustrate how the European Defence Fund (EDF) is contributing to the development of coordinated European responses to the challenges and opportunities they bring.

This priority is also recognised in the White Paper for European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, which both underscore that technological superiority is central to Europe's deterrence posture. A robust and innovative industrial ecosystem rooted in the EU is indispensable for safeguarding Europe's security, strategic autonomy, and long-term economic resilience.

In line with this objective, the EDF supports companies across Member States in developing competitive, collaborative projects that deliver innovative defence technologies. Through targeted investments, EDF accelerates the maturation and operational uptake of the technologies essential for modern defence.

The EU Defence Technology Factsheets provide an accessible overview of the key technology areas supported by the Fund. They explain why these technologies matter, how they are embedded in EDF projects, and how their deployment strengthens Europe's readiness and resilience. The factsheets also demonstrate that many of these advanced solutions are already being translated into concrete capabilities, supporting the defence industrial base in responding to current and future operational challenges.

Technology areas featured include digital enablers, advanced materials, space-related solutions, disruptive technologies, and systems enhancing protection, situational awareness, and mission effectiveness.

Technology areas featured

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
  AI's vast potential is reshaping military strategy, redefining operations, and revolutionising decision-making. EDF projects apply AI for information superiority, operational effectiveness, interoperability, situational awareness, and equipment design.
• Quantum technologies
  Quantum technologies are rapidly emerging and could be used for highly secure data transfer, an improved sensing capability, and faster decision-making, among others. The EDF puts quantum technologies at the forefront improving how cyber operations, targeting and information processing are carried out.
• Cyber defence
  As cyberspace becomes a domain of strategic competition, the EDF strengthens cyber defence by improving secure military cloud solutions, cyber ranges, rapid response tools, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
• Biotechnology for defence
  Biotechnologies open up new ways to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging threats. Since 2021, the EDF has devoted €191 million to biotechnology R&D, covering defence medical threats, CBRN threats, biotechnological innovations, and human factors.
• Multi-domain combat clouds
• Drones and counter-drone systems
  Drones enables real-time intelligence, precision strikes, and enhanced situational awareness, while counter-drone systems are important to detect and neutralise threats across all domains. Close to €1 billion have been invested in these technologies via the EDF and his precursor programme.
• Electronic Warfare (EW)
  Control of the electromagnetic spectrum is a critical enabler for all military domains, supporting surveillance, navigation, and command systems. Key EDF actions focus on strengthening EU leadership in next-generation EW, including the real-time processing of vast amounts of data.

Data has become central to military operations, enabling systems integration across domains. This is why the EDF makes information superiority a strategic priority, with more than 10% of its budget expected to be allocated to this area.

About EU defence technology and innovation

Since the launch of the EDF, the European Commission has invested more than € 4 billion in defence research and development, positioning the EU among the world's leading defence investors, and the Fund has a total budget of nearly €7.3 billion for the 2021-2027 period.

The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), an instrument of the EDF, aims to strengthen defence innovation by lowering entry barriers for smaller players and innovators, with a focus on technological readiness and market maturity.

The White Paper for European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 set out the strategic direction for European defence. Improving Europe's technological capabilities for defence superiority is identified as a key priority.

The EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap complements these initiatives with concrete actions to accelerate the modernisation of Europe's defence industry and provide targeted support to emerging players.