MEPs approve the AGILE programme / Defence SMEs to receive rapid funding

MEPs approved on Tuesday the creation of the AGILE programme, a €115 million European instrument designed to provide rapid support to SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups developing emerging and disruptive defence technologies.

The programme responds to the new security context created by Russia’s war against Ukraine, in which rapid innovation and cost-effective solutions have become essential. Negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on establishing AGILE in July 2026.

The instrument will provide grants through an accelerated procedure, with a deadline of up to four months, as well as access to testing and certification. Member states will be able to contribute to defining the challenges, ensuring that the products developed address the real needs of the armed forces.

AGILE will also support the adaptation of civilian technologies for military applications and facilitate cooperation between SMEs and major defence industry contractors. The programme targets areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, cybersecurity and space systems, helping reduce strategic dependencies on third countries.

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