This European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 Development Action topic funds the design, build, and validation of a future main battle tank (MBT) system demonstrator. MBTs remain central to land manoeuvre because they uniquely combine protection, mobility and firepower. However, many EU and EDF Associated Countries operate ageing fleets, and emerging threats (advanced anti-tank guided missiles, loitering munitions, swarming UAS, cyber and electronic warfare, and directed-energy effects) require a significant upgrade of current technologies and the maturation of new ones. The call therefore supports a single, large-scale proposal to advance an MBT system that can maintain and extend Europe’s technological edge and deliver mission success across future operational scenarios.
The general objective is to upgrade current MBT technologies and develop future technologies whose operational effectiveness is thoroughly tested in all relevant environments. The specific objective is to follow up and complement previous EDF activities on MBT platform systems (notably EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-MBT) by delivering higher multi-spectrum protection and survivability, advanced all-terrain mobility, and superior firepower. It also emphasises long-range threat detection, advanced command-and-control integration (including C4I/BMS interfaces), cybersecurity across the full life cycle, reduced-crew operations (three-person crew with a trajectory towards unmanned capabilities), improved logistical sustainability, and affordability of manufacturing—supporting the ability to field large numbers of platforms quickly if required.
Within scope, the proposal must address the design and development of one full MBT demonstrator targeting at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 at system level. Mandatory work includes feasibility and design studies; review and adaptation of the preliminary design review (PDR); a dedicated industrialisation and production study (including multi-site setup, sourcing of critical components/subsystems, and battle damage repair catalogues to ensure production redundancy); and a plan for qualification and certification against relevant standards. Engineering work must include the critical design review (CDR). System prototyping requires building a full demonstrator compliant with applicable safety and security standards and integrating at least a modular government-furnished C4I/BMS subsystem. The demonstrator must then be tested against functional requirements and validated through subsystem testing in relevant operational environments (e.g., protection systems). Qualification activities require preparing and executing a qualification procedure against operational requirements, supporting Member States and EDF Associated Countries with operational evaluation, and completing a final qualification review (FQR) for a TRL 6 demonstrator.
The functional requirements are extensive, with a strong priority on firepower: an autoloader, onboard ammunition to support at least 20 engagements, and the ability to defeat the latest MBTs at extended ranges with high first-hit and catastrophic kill capability (static or on the move), while improving barrel life and growth potential. The platform must provide advanced automatic threat detection, identification, tracking, and multi-threat handling, integrated through an internal vehicle network compliant with commonly applicable standards (e.g., STANAG 4754 NGVA). Protection requirements span chemical and kinetic threats (including mines/IEDs, RPGs, HEAT, advanced ATGMs with high-angle attack, loitering munitions, and at least 125 mm APFSDS), plus EW/DEW, cyber, and CBRN protection, with an APS capable of defeating multiple threats before reloading. Mobility targets include 60 km/h road speed, 40 km/h cross-country, ≥600 km operational range (and ≥350 km combat range), rapid acceleration metrics, challenging wading and obstacle-crossing capabilities, and ≥85% operational availability. The call also requires advanced situational awareness (360°), low detectability and emissions, robust PNT in GNSS-denied environments, MUM-T interoperability with unmanned ground systems and UAS, embedded training simulation, vehicle status monitoring, and explicit consideration of green technologies, emissions constraints, transportability, and reduced life-cycle costs.
Overall, the funded action is expected to strengthen EU defence and security interests and strategic autonomy; contribute to the Capability Development Plan 2023 priority on Ground Combat Capabilities; enhance resilience, technological sovereignty, and industrial autonomy; and demonstrate excellence by delivering a significant advantage over existing MBT products and technologies.
Opening: 22.01.2026
Deadline(s): 29.09.2026
