This European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 Development Action topic seeks to study and design a fully European Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL) system that significantly improves very-long-range indirect fire support for EU Member States and EDF associated countries. The call responds to a shifting geopolitical and threat environment in which many European land forces rely on non-European rocket artillery systems that are nearing end of life, while the market is dominated by non-European suppliers. The overarching aim is to strengthen EU strategic autonomy and reduce dependencies by creating an independent European MRL system solution that is cost-driven for symmetric high-intensity conflict scenarios.

The action targets an enhanced, modular, and scalable MRL system architecture (the launcher system itself, not the carrier vehicle or ammunition development). The system must be designed for operation in high-intensity environments where GNSS can be contested or denied, and it should maximise interoperability with European and NATO indirect fire ecosystems. Interoperability with components of legacy systems of other origins is considered desirable. The functional ambitions include timely close (≥30 km), long (≥80 km), and very long-range (≥300 km, desirable up to 499 km) effects through a family of unguided and guided rockets/missiles (including training ammunition and potentially cargo/loitering payload concepts), while improving precision, automation, survivability, and operational tempo.

Mandatory activities cover studies and design. The studies must examine: worldwide rocket artillery systems (launcher architecture, fire control, communications, azimuth/elevation and support systems); logistics and resupply concepts (modular reloading, container-based systems, autonomous reloading); battlefield performance and lessons learned from Ukraine; threat assessments (ISR including satellites, UxVs/FPV drones/loitering ammunition, counter-battery fire, electronic warfare, CBRN); communication protocols and data standards between launcher and ammunition (loaded and in flight); human-machine interfaces enabling reduced-crew operations, remote control and automation; technologies for GNSS-contested/denied operation and alternative PNT/guidance approaches; rocket/missile technology characteristics (range, size, weight, guidance); launcher requirements imposed by multiple calibres; camouflage/self-protection; production and maintenance cost reduction methods; hard/software interfaces for mounting across multiple carrier platforms; and weapon stabilisation.

Design work must deliver: a modular launcher and control system architecture that can be fitted to different land carriers and even naval vessels; resupply and fast reloading concepts achieving <4 minutes reload time; system-level survivability features such as shoot-and-scoot logic, emissions control and decoy integration; a C2 architecture enabling secure, robust communications and integration with national fire control systems while enhancing interoperability; training and simulation architecture (software-based trainers and emulated fire control); and an optional Weapon Data Link Processor (WDLP) with standardised weapon communications protocols. Optional activities may include system prototyping and testing protocol definition. The indicative action duration is 48 months, and proposals must demonstrate synergies with relevant EDF/EDIDP activities (e.g., EDIDP-NGPSC-LRIF-2020 and EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-IFS).

Opening: 22.01.2026
Deadline(s): 29.09.2026