BRUSSELS / EuroWire / – The European Union has approved a €115 million funding scheme aimed at accelerating the development of defence technologies. Known as AGILE, the Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation will target smaller enterprises working on emerging and disruptive technologies. The formal approval process was completed by the Council of the European Union on October 12. This initiative provides startups, scale-ups, and other eligible organizations a dedicated pathway to finance defence-related products through shortened development cycles and funding timelines.
AGILE aims to support both innovative military technologies and civilian products that can be adapted for defence applications. The programme’s goal is to deliver grant awards within four months of the application process opening. Technologies supported are expected to progress toward defence users within one to three years. Grants will vary from €1 million to €5 million per project. Funding regulations permit selected initiatives to receive support covering up to 100% of their eligible expenses.
The European Commission anticipates financing approximately 20 to 30 projects during the initial phase of the programme. Companies eligible to participate may claim certain project costs incurred up to three months before the closing of a funding call, allowing ongoing development efforts during the application process. AGILE will fund technology development focused on mission objectives, as well as activities that facilitate the transition of completed products to defence clients. Additionally, it fosters faster collaboration between innovative suppliers, testing facilities, and established defence firms.
AGILE broadens access to defence testing and procurement channels
Participants selected through AGILE will gain enhanced access to testing and experimentation infrastructure across European nations involved in the scheme. The initiative also promotes connections between smaller tech developers and larger defence manufacturers. Based on identified defence capability needs, EU member states will help define specific programme challenges. Simplified procurement processes are included for products developed under AGILE, providing an additional route for funded technologies to move from testing phases into operational supply chains and deployment.
Eligible applicants will include companies from EU member states and associated nations, with Ukraine also permitted to participate. Countries within the European Economic Area and European Free Trade Association are eligible as well. Both individual and consortium applications will be accepted, provided they meet programme requirements. The first call for proposals is anticipated to launch in early 2027. Following completion of the remaining legal and publication steps, AGILE is expected to become operational.
Legal finalization set for 2027 launch of funding
The European Parliament gave its approval to the legislation on October 6 after reaching a political consensus in July. The proposal for AGILE was initially introduced in March 2026. With formal adoption now secured, the next steps involve signing and publishing the regulation. The signatures of the Presidents of the Parliament and the Council are required before the regulation can be published. Once in the EU Official Journal, the regulation will come into effect 20 days later.
AGILE will operate alongside existing European defence research and industrial initiatives. Its €115 million budget specifically targets smaller suppliers and technology firms seeking expedited access to defence funding. The programme integrates grants, testing opportunities, and procurement pathways within a unified framework. It has been structured for shorter award timelines and rapid transition from development stages to operational deployment. The first funding round in 2027 will mark the official launch of the programme across participating European markets.