EDIP Ukraine Support Instrument: up to EUR 10 million to scale production of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems, apply by 16 February 2027

The European Commission has announced a call for proposals under the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) Ukraine Support Instrument. This dedicated topic focuses on scaling up the manufacturing of unmanned systems and counter-unmanned systems.

The funding provides grant awards ranging from EUR 2 million up to EUR 10 million per project, covering 100% of eligible costs in the form of a lump sum. The total available budget for the topic is approximately EUR 80 million, and proposals will be accepted until 16 February 2027.

What is funded

The call specifically finances industrial scale-up activities rather than research and development. Priority is given to ramping up production capacity to rapidly deploy operational capabilities.

Eligible activities include the establishment of joint EU-Ukraine production lines, the expansion of existing manufacturing and test capacity, and the industrial scale-up of proven Ukrainian unmanned and counter-unmanned systems.

Who can apply

The call is aimed at businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), operating within the defence technology sector. Ukrainian companies are fully eligible to participate as primary applicants and project coordinators.

According to the call conditions, a single applicant must be an entity established in Ukraine. The wider scope of the instrument fosters industrial cooperation between EU-based and Ukrainian enterprises.

Conditions and requirements

Each submitted action must request a minimum grant amount of EUR 2 million, with the maximum funding cap set at EUR 10 million per project. Financial assistance is distributed as a lump sum, which covers 100% of eligible action costs.

Practical tip. Ensure your proposal presents realistic industrial capacity projections and procurement pipelines, as the evaluators focus strictly on operational ramp-up rather than experimental research.

How to apply

Proposals must be prepared and submitted through the official European Commission EU Funding and Tenders Portal. Applicants must adhere to the electronic submission workflows and official templates provided for the EDIP programme.

The donor does not specify intermediate evaluation cut-offs in the extract, but the final deadline for submission is set for 16 February 2027. Early submission is recommended to address administrative requirements well in advance.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ec.europa.eu.