The European Commission has announced a new €115 million funding initiative aimed at dramatically speeding up the development and deployment of cutting-edge defence
technologies. Known as AGILE, the pilot programme is designed to bridge the gap between innovation labs and real-world military use, with a strong focus on startups, scale-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The move comes in response to shifting dynamics in modern warfare, underscored by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict has highlighted how success on the battlefield increasingly depends on rapid innovation cycles—where technologies must be developed, tested, and deployed in a matter of months rather than years.
AGILE is tailored for this new reality. It will prioritize disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum systems, and drone capabilities, enabling faster access to funding and streamlined processes. The programme aims to cut the time required to secure funding to just four months—significantly faster than traditional EU mechanisms.
Under the scheme, between 20 and 30 projects are expected to receive support, with funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs. In a bid to further accelerate innovation, companies will also be able to retroactively claim expenses incurred up to three months before application deadlines.
The programme will operate across two key tracks: mission-driven development of advanced defence technologies and facilitating their entry into operational markets. By aligning closely with the immediate needs of EU Member States, AGILE seeks to ensure that European defence capabilities remain both innovative and deployment-ready.
Looking ahead, the European Commission plans to submit a legislative proposal establishing AGILE to the European Parliament and the Council. If approved, the initiative is expected to become operational in early 2027.
The programme builds on a broader EU push to strengthen defence innovation. Existing frameworks such as the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), and the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) have already laid the groundwork for collaborative research and development. However, policymakers acknowledge that faster and more flexible tools are needed.
Recent strategic documents—including the Readiness 2030 roadmap and the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap—have emphasized the urgency of accelerating technological adoption. AGILE is positioned as a key response, aiming to inject speed, flexibility, and risk-taking into Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.