Smart and multifunctional textiles allow various components and devices to be integrated into uniforms and soldier systems. This extends their range of functions, which can include environmental and physiological monitoring of the soldier, localisation, communication, protective functions (e.g. concealing a soldier's visual, radar and electromagnetic signatures from enemy sensors and surveillance technologies, fire protection and neutralisation of hazardous chemicals). Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the critical operational need for protection of dismounted soldiers, particularly against drones, and triggered the definition of updated soldier system requirements.

The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart and multifunctional textiles with a view to developing an individual camouflage solution, both static and dynamic, against drone surveillance using innovative technologies capable of ensuring soldier survivability in hostile environments.

Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of clean and resource efficient technologies.

Management mode: Action implemented in indirect management by the European Defence Agency.

Form of funding: Contribution Agreement.

Entrusted tasks:

Implementation of actual cost grants following a competitive call.

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

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call and EUR 700 000 for the remuneration of the entrusted entity.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on the quality of the submitted proposals and the available budget, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded for this topic.