The EU is launching the €115 million AGILE defense program: a focus on innovation, startups, and cooperation with Ukraine
The European Commission has unveiled a new €115 million financial instrument called AGILE, designed to accelerate the deployment of revolutionary defense technologies across the European Union.
This was reported by the European Commission’s press service.
The agency noted that the program is aimed at the rapid development, testing, and market launch of innovative defense solutions, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“This pilot instrument is designed to accelerate the development and testing of revolutionary defense innovations and their market deployment, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, or unmanned aerial vehicles, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly startups and scaling companies,” the European Commission stated.
The program places particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises, including startups and scaling companies.
European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius stated that AGILE involves close cooperation with Ukraine and support for high-risk innovative projects.
“Full integration with Ukraine,” as well as “rapid funding for high-risk projects with expected high impact,” he wrote on social media platform X.
The document also notes that Ukraine will be able to join the program in accordance with the provisions of the Association Agreement with the EU—either fully or partially.
“The overall objective of the Program is to support the rapid innovation potential of small and medium-sized enterprises, including innovative startups and scaling companies, with the aim of supporting the rapid delivery of new and revolutionary defense products and technologies designed to address the latest and rapidly evolving challenges faced by the armed forces of member states, particularly those arising from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness,” the proposal states.
AGILE is expected to help boost the competitiveness of the European defense industry, strengthen the EU’s defense readiness, and reduce dependence on third countries.
The European Commission emphasized that modern warfare is rapidly changing under the influence of digital technologies, which is why the new program is geared toward “New Defense” players and technological innovators.
“As modern warfare is undergoing rapid digital and technological transformation, AGILE is designed for ‘New Defense’ players, startups, and technology innovators who operate at high speed,” the agency emphasized.
AGILE provides for unprecedentedly fast funding timelines—decisions on grant awards will be made within four months, and the implementation of technologies in the armed forces will take one to three years.
The program will fund 20 to 30 projects, covering up to 100% of costs. Companies will also be able to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred even before the completion of the application competition.
“The work program will cover two main activities: mission-oriented development of revolutionary defense products and technologies, and market delivery, helping defense solutions reach real markets,” the statement notes.
The European Commission will then submit a proposal to establish AGILE to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for consideration.
The tool is expected to launch in early 2027. It is intended to ensure the rapid deployment of cutting-edge technologies within the armed forces of EU member states.
The EU notes that defense innovation programs have been actively developing in recent years, including the European Defense Fund, the EU Defense Innovation Scheme, and the EU Defense Innovation Center. At the same time, new initiatives, including “Peacekeeping – Roadmap for Readiness by 2030” and “White Paper on the Future of European Defense – Readiness by 2030,” underscore the need for faster innovation implementation.
This is precisely what lays the groundwork for the launch of AGILE—a more flexible and rapid instrument for supporting defense technologies in Europe.
