BRUSSELS / EuroWire / – European Union has given the green light to a €115 million funding initiative aimed at expediting advancements in defence technology. Known as the Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation, or AGILE, will primarily support smaller enterprises working on emerging and disruptive technologies within the defence sector. The formal approval was finalized by the Council of the European Union on October 12, concluding the official adoption process. This programme offers start-ups, scale-ups, and other qualifying companies a dedicated pathway to secure funding for defence-related products, enabling shorter development timelines and funding cycles.
European Commission anticipates that the initiative will fund approximately 20 to 30 projects during its initial phase, with eligible companies permitted to claim certain project expenses incurred up to three months prior to the closing of a funding call. This provision aims to allow ongoing development work during the application process. The programme will support the development of both new military technologies and civilian products that can be adapted for defence applications. Grants are expected to range from €1 million to €5 million, with individual projects able to receive support covering up to 100% of their eligible costs. Supported technologies are expected to progress towards defence users within one to three years, with the goal of accelerating the transition from development to operational deployment.
AGILE will also facilitate connections between innovative suppliers, testing facilities, and established defence companies, fostering faster collaboration and technology transfer. The initiative aims to enhance access to testing and experimentation infrastructure across participating European nations, strengthening links between smaller tech developers and larger defence contractors. Member states will assist in defining programme challenges based on identified defence capability needs. Furthermore, the scheme incorporates simplified procurement procedures for products developed under its umbrella, providing an alternative pathway for funded technologies to transition from testing phases into defence supply chains and operational use.
AGILE broadens opportunities for defence testing and procurement pathways
Participants selected through AGILE will benefit from improved access to testing and experimentation facilities across participating European countries, while also fostering stronger linkages between smaller tech firms and larger defence manufacturers. The programme’s rules will support individual applications from companies in EU member states and associated countries, including Ukraine, along with eligible nations within the European Economic Area and European Free Trade Association. Consortium applications will remain an option, and the first call for proposals is anticipated in early 2027. Once the regulation passes the remaining legal and publication steps, AGILE is expected to become fully operational.
Legal procedures are underway before the 2027 funding commencement
European Parliament approved the legislation on October 6, following a political agreement reached in July, after negotiations. The initial proposal for AGILE was introduced in March 2026, and now, with formal adoption, it awaits signatures and publication before becoming effective. The signatures of the presidents of Parliament and the Council are required, followed by publication in the EU Official Journal. The regulation will come into force 20 days after publication. This initiative will operate alongside existing European defence research and industrial programmes, with a €115 million budget focused on smaller suppliers and technology companies seeking quicker access to funding. The scheme integrates grants, testing opportunities, and procurement pathways into one streamlined funding framework, emphasizing shorter award timelines and rapid movement from development stages to operational deployment. The first round of funding in 2027 will mark the start of active participation across European markets involved in the programme.