Long-range indirect fire support capabilities for precision and high efficiency strikes

Call updates

Nov 24, 2023 2:54:02 PM

This call closed at 17.00 on 22 November 2023. 30 proposals were submitted for evaluation.

Jun 22, 2023 12:00:12 AM

The submission session is now available for: EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-IFS(EDF-DA)

Jun 14, 2023 5:08:02 PM

Opening of the calls has been postponed to 22 June 2023.

You will be able to start the submission process from that date

Apr 28, 2023 9:55:57 AM

European Defence Fund (EDF) Info Days 2023 will take place on 28-29 June 2023

Long-range indirect fire support capabilities for precision and high efficiency strikes

TOPIC ID: EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-IFS

Programme: European Defence Fund
Call: Call for EDF development actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2023-DA)
Type of action: EDF-DA EDF Development Actions
Type of MGA: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG]
Deadline model: single-stage
Planned opening date: 15 June 2023
Deadline date: 22 November 2023 17:00:00 Brussels time

Objective:
The increasingly complex geopolitical instability faced by the European Union, its Member States and EDF associated countries (Norway) requires continuous and unfragmented responses. To that purpose, the EDF promotes and contributes to the strategic autonomy and sovereignty of its Member States and EDF associated countries (Norway).

Considering the ongoing geopolitical situation, the objective of this study is to develop European solutions for 155mm (up to 52-calibre) and rocket artilleries adapted to the new threats by increasing the fire range compared to current systems while maintaining interoperability principle. The targeted solutions must be cost-driven based on the assumption of a symmetric high intensity battle.

Specific objective

Future capability and operational challenges in artillery require enhanced interoperability, agility, action range, accuracy, survivability, and security as well as ability to operate in adverse conditions and to obtain scalable effects while ensuring efficient maintainability, high level of operational readiness, and optimised life cycle cost. In this context and during the next coming years, the future generation of 155mm artillery projectiles and rockets (timeframe 2030) will be subject to numerous potential game-changing technologies, which are expected to enhance capabilities significantly.

The proposals must stimulate cross-border cooperation within the EU and with EDF associated countries and ensure the security of supply and strategic autonomy in a longer-term perspective.

The main objectives of this topic are to address challenges regarding precision, range (155mm shell: 80km with a minimum range of 50km; rocket: at least 150km), terminal effect and operation in stressful environment like GNSS-denied battlefield.

Scope:
The proposals must address:

a study of range-extending technologies;
a parametric study of long range artillery ammunition requirements regarding further range increase, with identification of the compatibility between studied technologies and these future ammunitions, and identification of technological development roadmaps;
the modular design of the major technologies including 155mm (up to 52-calibre) long range cargo ammunition;
the prototyping of sub-systems.
Types of activities

The following table lists the types of activities which are eligible for this topic, and whether they are mandatory or optional (see Article 10(3) EDF Regulation):

Types of activities

(art 10(3) EDF Regulation)

Eligible?

(a)

Activities that aim to create, underpin and improve knowledge, products and technologies, including disruptive technologies, which can achieve significant effects in the area of defence (generating knowledge)

No

(b)

Activities that aim to increase interoperability and resilience, including secured production and exchange of data, to master critical defence technologies, to strengthen the security of supply or to enable the effective exploitation of results for defence products and technologies (integrating knowledge)

Yes(optional)

(c)

Studies, such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or upgraded products, technologies, processes, services and solutions

Yes(mandatory)

(d)

Design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such a design has been developed, including any partial test for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment

Yes(mandatory)

(e)