This funding call is designed to support research actions focused on advancing the security, robustness and resilience of autonomous unmanned vehicles (UxVs) in military operations. The call, part of the European Defence Fund (EDF), specifically targets innovative research projects that build upon or integrate results from previous EU-funded projects with a focus on civil applications. Proposals may incorporate results from completed or ongoing projects, provided that the submitting consortium confirms that they have or will have the necessary rights to use and commercialise those results. The call is open to any eligible consortium as defined in Articles 9 and 10(4) of the EDF Regulation, offering a unique opportunity to drive forward the state-of-the-art in cyber-physical defence capabilities for unmanned systems.

The specific topic under this call, EDF-2025-LS-RA-SI-CYBER-3RAV-STEP, is focused on risk, robustness and resilience for autonomous vehicles deployed in military settings. As UxVs such as drones, ground vehicles, and surface/underwater vessels become integral to military operations, there is an urgent need to ensure that these systems can operate safely and effectively in hostile cyber environments. This research action addresses the growing cyber-physical challenges posed by autonomous systems. It emphasises the necessity of designing and integrating advanced security controls that can manage complex trade-offs between data protection, cyber security, and assured autonomy.

One of the central challenges identified in this call is the need for an autonomous cyber defence capability that not only monitors and detects potential cyber threats but also evaluates the risk associated with these threats in real time. By developing a risk-evaluation engine, the projects will be able to generate risk-based courses of action that consider the impact on mission objectives, the protection of confidential data, and the safety of both the UxVs and their surroundings. This process is critical for enabling these vehicles to continue operating safely, even in the event of a successful cyber-attack.

The call also outlines mandatory activities that include generating knowledge through the development of military scenarios, attack modelling, and comprehensive catalogues of assets and security controls. In addition, proposals must integrate this knowledge by enhancing simulation environments, including digital twins that can emulate real-world operational scenarios and cyber-attacks. Ethical and legal considerations are also to be studied, ensuring that the deployment of autonomous cyber defence measures is not only technically robust but also compliant with international standards and regulations. Moreover, the design phase must include a proof-of-concept implementation, with tests conducted in realistic military operational scenarios or exercises to validate the proposed solutions.

Ultimately, the expected impact is a significant enhancement of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), with improved interoperability, robustness, and resilience of UxVs against cyber threats. The outcomes of this call will provide defence forces with more secure and capable systems, ensuring that they can maintain mission effectiveness even under adverse cyber conditions.

Opening: 18-02-2025
Deadline(s): 16-10-2025