Airbus to Boost Europe’s Strategic Autonomy with Two EDF-Funded Projects

Airbus to Boost Europe’s Strategic Autonomy with Two EDF-Funded Projects

(IN BRIEF) Airbus has been selected to lead two defense R&D projects as part of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The EDF promotes collaboration among European companies and research institutes to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. Airbus Defense and Space will head the European Defence Operational Collaborative Cloud project, while Airbus Helicopters will lead the EU Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Project. Both projects aim to enhance military operations through increased interoperability, efficiency, and resiliency. Airbus will also participate in six other multinational EDF projects, contributing expertise in areas such as advanced radar technologies and cyber threat intelligence. The European Defence Fund plans to allocate €8 billion by 2027.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH/ MARIGNANE, 31-Jan-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Airbus (EPA: AIR), a European multinational aerospace corporation, announces that it has been chosen to coordinate two defence research and development projects as part of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The EDF, which aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, has selected 61 collaborative defence projects and has allocated €1.2 billion in funding.

Airbus Defense and Space will lead the European Defence Operational Collaborative Cloud (EDOCC) project, while Airbus Helicopters will coordinate the EU Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Project (ENGRT). The contracts for these projects were signed in December 2022.

The EDOCC project will create a virtual platform to increase the interoperability, efficiency, and resiliency of military operations. This project will pave the way for strengthened collaborative services on the battlefield. The ENGRT project will analyze and understand the needs of European armed forces for rotorcraft operations beyond 2030 and define key technologies for the next generation of military rotorcraft in Europe.

In addition to these two projects, Airbus will also participate as a partner in six further multinational EDF projects, contributing its expertise in areas such as advanced radar technologies and cyber threat intelligence.

The European Defence Fund plans to allocate €8 billion by 2027, promoting cooperation among European companies and research institutes. With its involvement in these projects, Airbus is positioning itself as a leader in the defence and aerospace industry.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Media contacts:

Beatriz Lozano
External Communications – Airbus Defence and Space
Phone: +49 172 341 38 38
beatriz.lozano-mendez@airbus.com

Emmanuel Huberdeau
Airbus Helicopters
Phone: +33 (0)6 17 27 93 31
emmanuel.huberdeau@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS