This call topic, identified as EDF-2025-RA-GROUND-CBC, focuses on developing innovative technologies to counter enemy artillery capabilities – a critical need as artillery is responsible for the majority of combat losses in modern land warfare. With a specific emphasis on counter-battery operations, the call invites proposals that explore methods to detect, locate, identify, and communicate information on enemy artillery systems. The overall aim is to ensure the survival of friendly forces and to safeguard their operational capacity by neutralizing or destroying the adversary’s artillery potential.

The call acknowledges that, in today’s rapidly evolving battlefield environment, traditional methods of counter-battery fire are becoming less effective. This is especially true due to the increasing mobility of modern artillery, which can employ shoot-and-scoot tactics to evade detection and rapid counter-attacks. The required time for detection and engagement often exceeds the time enemy formations need to relocate from their firing positions, particularly over long ranges where the time of flight of munitions adds an extra delay. Thus, it is imperative to develop technologies that can detect and identify enemy artillery even when they are not actively firing.

Proposals are expected to address both new and adapted state-of-the-art technologies. The research should cover a wide portfolio of sensors, including passive sensors such as acoustic and seismic as well as active sensors like optical/optronics and radar/ESM. In addition, the call seeks investigations into possible carrier systems such as unmanned vehicles (UxVs), balloons, vehicles, or stationary platforms that can host these sensors. The research could also extend to novel deploying mechanisms, ensuring that the technological solutions provided achieve an optimal balance between cost and performance.

Mandatory tasks include generating knowledge by creating comprehensive overviews of current and past methods for detecting enemy artillery, and analyzing historical as well as potential future scenarios of counter-battery engagements. In addition, proposals should integrate existing sensor capabilities and conduct feasibility studies on integrating these sensors into various platforms. This includes feasibility studies on sensor deployment via airdrop, autonomous deployment, or even integration with weapon systems. The call further encourages the creation of signature databases – whether acoustic, optical, or radio frequency – which can be critical in the rapid identification of enemy indirect fire.

Optional activities include preliminary design studies of automated systems (potentially AI-supported) that integrate data from the various sensors and support target identification. These designs could also explore the potential to exploit illuminators of opportunity, such as commercial 5G or digital audio broadcasting, to enhance sensor performance. Ultimately, the successful proposals are expected to significantly enhance the EU’s defence capabilities by maturing low-cost, high-impact counter-battery solutions that are robust in contested electronic warfare environments and GNSS denied areas.

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