This European Defence Fund (EDF) call topic focuses on a concept study to further develop a new low-cost turbofan engine (or engine family) in the approximately 25–35 kN thrust class for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used as loyal wingmen / unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). These platforms require specific performance across diverse mission profiles to meet storage, deployment, and operational requirements. A key enabler is an engine that delivers the optimum balance of thrust and electrical power, including capacity for additional power off-takes (electric, bleed air) and growth potential.

The general objective is to investigate a new 25–35 kN turbofan engine that meets military requirements, is ITAR-free (European sovereignty and security of supply), and can operate on kerosene and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Proposals may build on or integrate results from EU-funded projects, provided applicants hold the rights to use and commercialise those results.

The specific objective responds to the current lack of suitable European and ITAR-free engines for loyal wingman applications. Research indicates that the 25–35 kN class can meet thrust and electrical power needs. Loyal wingman drones are expected to be attritable rather than expendable, implying that reliability and maintainability must be balanced against cost and production volume. Proposals should also evaluate potential civil, military, and commercial applications, including future needs such as hydrogen combustion and hybrid power plants.

The scope requires a concept study for a new 25–35 kN turbofan engine or adaptive engine family, emphasising: improved long-term storage capabilities (corrosion resistance, rotor-bow avoidance, preservation and protection measures), low-cost manufacturing (standardised parts, novel processes), wide fuel compatibility (conventional fuels, SAF—including ASTM D7566 pathways for 100% SAF/drop-in/non-drop-in—and lower-quality combustible fuels with anomalous regional specifications), and maximised operational usability via reduced inspections and periodic maintenance with longer service intervals. Where feasible and without significant performance or cost penalties, proposals may also address green technologies to lower lifecycle CO2 emissions and improve sustainability/recyclability.

Mandatory work includes: defining use cases and high-level requirements; identifying key parameters and a baseline engine configuration; surveying civil and military European engines in the 25–35 kN range (including synergies, ITAR restrictions, deficiencies, risks, and security-of-supply issues); developing ITAR-free, EU-sourced supply strategies for the full lifecycle; strategies for long-term storage, reduced maintenance/support costs, on-condition availability, field serviceability, modular repair/replacement and decentralised depot support; and strategies to reduce production costs and enable prioritised/decentralised production. The topic also requires studies on affordable performance technologies (e.g., hybridisation/electrification), scalability to other markets, low-cost design and certification approaches (including reduced requirements for unmanned platforms), novel manufacturing and repair (including additive manufacturing), electric power generation/architecture options, and cost-benefit analysis considering civil market volume trade-offs. A propulsion system design/adaptation must be proposed with standardised architecture, interfaces, and significant reduction of parts/modules. Synergies with activities related to aircraft propulsion and energy management systems (EDF-2025-DA-ENERENV-APEM) should be demonstrated.

Expected impacts include a versatile EU propulsion solution for loyal wingmen with higher electrical power capability, a cost-competitive lifecycle solution, strengthened EU sovereignty and supply chain autonomy, reinforced cross-border industrial cooperation (including SMEs), improved global deployment/sustainment, and stronger civil–defence cross-fertilisation.

Opening: 22.01.2026
Deadline(s): 29.09.2026