This topic aims to follow up and complement previous activities for the development of an endo-atmospheric interceptor by maturing key technologies required to successfully counter hypersonic and ballistic threats up to TRL 6. It should build on specific concept designs and advance the required technologies by developing dedicated demonstrators, e.g. for airframe, propulsion, platform separation, lethality, threat tracking and acquisition.

This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies.

Management mode: Action implemented in indirect management by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.

Form of funding: Contribution Agreement.

Entrusted tasks:

Implementation of actual cost grants following a competitive call.

Targeted types of activities: Studies, design, system prototyping and testing, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.

Indicative budget: EUR 100 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call and EUR 2 000 000 for the remuneration of the entrusted entity.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic.