This European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 Development Action topic focuses on developing and demonstrating next-generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver modules capable of using the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) in contested Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) environments. The call targets compact, ruggedised, secure GNSS module prototypes—potentially implemented as card-level modules—that can be integrated into missiles and/or guided munitions while meeting strict constraints on size, weight and power (SWaP) as well as demanding environmental and kinematic requirements (e.g., shock, vibration, thermal stress, high dynamics). The overall ambition is to strengthen EU Member States’ and EDF Associated Countries’ resilience and effectiveness of secure positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) in adversarial electronic warfare conditions.

The general objective is to develop GNSS modules for Galileo PRS with NAVWAR capabilities and to demonstrate their effectiveness under NAVWAR conditions. The specific objective is to ensure these PRS-capable modules are compatible with missile and guided munition integration needs and can operate effectively particularly under blue force electronic attack (BFEA) scenarios. A key deliverable is a common interface control document (ICD) defining interoperable form factors, electrical and communication interfaces, messages/protocols, and required ancillaries for critical information loading. The intent is to enable interchangeability of PRS GNSS modules across platforms and supporting Member States, reducing integration burden and supporting standardisation at equipment and interface level.

The scope requires practical, deployable development activities rather than purely theoretical work. Proposals must cover mandatory EDF development activities including: detailed design (including miniaturised security modules for PRS key management and/or PRS spreading code transmission support), system prototyping up to prototype level, testing in representative NAVWAR environments, and qualification against relevant military standards and legal requirements. Testing must include structured plans addressing multiple interference types such as continuous wave interference, extreme noise, unmodulated/power amplified carrier wave interference, and spoofing. The work must demonstrate proof-of-concept in congested simulated NAVWAR conditions, explicitly including intentional GNSS radiofrequency interference to exercise BFEA scenarios impacting PRS signals. In addition, at least two consortium beneficiaries from two different supporting Member States (sMS) must demonstrate prototype interchangeability on common platform environments (preferably three platforms from three sMS).

The call strongly encourages a real firing test demonstration of the TRL 6 PRS GNSS module prototypes under NAVWAR/BFEA conditions, with measurement of anti-jamming and anti-spoofing performance and operationally relevant monitoring and planning processes (including trajectory optimisation under interference). Proposals should also address EU-based supply chains for critical technologies (e.g., ASICs and electronic components), manage risks such as unsuccessful ASIC wafer-runs with proportionate mitigation plans, and consult crypto approval authorities (CAA) to ensure readiness for tamper protection and compliance with applicable crypto device evaluation expectations. Synergies must be demonstrated with relevant prior and ongoing EU activities, notably EDIDP-PNTSCC-PNT-2019 and EDF-2021-SPACE-D-SGNS, and complementarities with EU-level initiatives; synergies with civilian PRS application prototypes under Horizon Europe are encouraged where appropriate while keeping the focus strictly on defence use.

Overall, this topic supports EU strategic autonomy in secure, robust PNT for weapon systems, contributes to common NAVWAR understanding and resilience, and promotes uptake of Galileo PRS for defence by delivering interoperable, miniaturised, and NAVWAR-hardened PRS GNSS module prototypes proven in realistic operational conditions.

Opening: 22.01.2026
Deadline(s): 29.09.2026