On Monday 1 June 2026, Luxembourg's Directorate of Defence, the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of Research and Higher Education announced the nine research and development (R&D) projects selected for co-financing under the 2025 joint defence call for projects.
The initiative aims to promote the innovation capabilities of Luxembourg's industry and research community and facilitate the integration of national stakeholders into defence programmes and value chains at European Union (EU) and NATO level.
The projects cover priority research areas identified in Luxembourg's Defence Industry Strategy, including cyber, space, materials, circularity, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (AI).
In collaboration with the National Research Fund (FNR) and Luxinnovation, the call for projects was launched in July 2025. According to the organisers, the 2025 edition focused exclusively on defence projects for the first time in response to NATO requirements and the EU objective of increasing investment in defence-related R&D.
A total of 30 project proposals were submitted by consortia comprising companies and national research centres. Following evaluation by a thematic panel, nine projects were selected to receive funding.
The selected projects are:
• DRONE-SENSE, led by Amphinicy Luxembourg and the University of Luxembourg (SnT), which is developing a software solution for the real-time detection, localisation and countering of drones and interference that may threaten satellite communication ground stations (€1.34 million);
• NORA 3D, led by Artec Europe and the SnT, which aims to develop a real-time 3D mapping solution for complex environments such as urban areas and GPS-denied zones (€2.11 million);
• DLT-SENTINEL, led by Edda Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), which is developing a secure and decentralised platform for monitoring military movements across borders in real time (€1.41 million);
• TULARS, led by Gradel LW and LIST, which is developing an ultra-lightweight composite structure combining mechanical strength and radar absorption for defence platforms such as drones and vehicles (€1.47 million);
• DEPCON, led by Integrasys and LIST, which is developing an automated system designed to secure communications across networks, radio systems and satellites (€1.27 million;
• HYDRA, led by LMO, Integrasys and LIST, which is developing a cooperative space-based defence system designed to protect strategic satellites in geostationary orbit (€1.62 million);
• AGVMDP, led by Luxbotix and the SnT, which is developing an autonomous, modular and solar-powered ground platform capable of operating in GPS-denied environments (€2.07 million);
• SENTINEL, led by OQ Technology and the SnT, which is developing a low Earth orbit satellite architecture designed to protect defence communications against jamming, spoofing and electromagnetic attacks (€2.28 million);
• REDEFENCE-CF, led by Uplift360 Europe and LIST, which focuses on recycling carbon fibre waste from the defence industry to produce lightweight and durable materials for military applications (€1.56 million).
Luxembourg’s Defence Minister Yuriko Backes said: "Research and development of cutting-edge technologies is not an option, but an essential contribution to ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. I welcome the innovative spirit demonstrated by the selected projects, which clearly highlight the excellence of Luxembourg's defence industrial and technological base in this field."
Luxembourg’s Minister for the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism Lex Delles highlighted “The diversity and quality of the selected projects demonstrate the wealth of expertise available in Luxembourg and their potential to address major technological challenges. By supporting these projects, we are strengthening both the competitiveness of our economy and its integration into strategic European value chains.”
Luxembourg’s Minister for Research and Higher Education Stéphanie Obertin added: “The selected projects demonstrate the ability of Luxembourg's public research sector to transform scientific excellence into concrete technological solutions that address major strategic challenges. By strengthening collaboration between research centres and companies, this call contributes to developing cutting-edge expertise while positioning Luxembourg within European defence innovation ecosystems.”
The ministries also announced that a new defence R&D call for projects will be launched during this summer, with submissions scheduled to open from mid-September to mid-December 2026. A webinar presenting the new call and application process will take place on the morning of Thursday 9 July 2026.
