298 proposals were submitted to compete for funding worth €1.1 billion from the European Defence Fund (EDF) for collaborative EU defence research and development projects. This is a record number of applications, according to a statement from the European Commission, submitted by the defence industry, including small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research entities, which represents an overall increase of 25% compared to the 2023 call, and a 28% increase for SMEs and research institutions. The funding is allocated to thematic priorities agreed upon by the EU Member States: from the development of a next generation armoured infantry fighting vehicle, to the fight against hypersonic missiles, unmanned air and ground systems, autonomous heavy mine sweeping systems and secure space communications. It will be in May 2025 that we will know which and how many projects will be selected. Satisfaction was expressed by the commissioner responsible for this policy area, Margrethe Vestager, who said that “at a time when European defence readiness is paramount, it is encouraging to witness the commitment of the defence industry” to “build a stronger defence technological base and develop cutting edge defence capabilities”.