An unmanned aerial vehicle used as unmanned loyal wingman/unmanned combat aerial vehicle requires specific performance for a variety of mission profiles to meet storage, deployment and operational requirements. In particular, an engine that provides optimum thrust and electrical power capabilities is required to meet these performance requirements.

Against this background, the aim of this topic is to investigate a new turbofan engine in the range of approximately 25-35 kN that meets all feasible military requirements and is capable of operating on kerosene, hydrogen (H2) and sustainable aviation fuel.

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

Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge, studies and design.

Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA-SI call.

The proposals need to build upon or integrate results that have been achieved within one or several projects funded following an EU programme call with a focus on civil applications and for which applicants will have the necessary rights to use and commercialise the results.

Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.