Call for EDF development actions implemented via actual cost grants

Objective : Main Battle Tanks (MBT) remain a pivotal element of land military manoeuvre, especially in a conventional warfare context, thanks to their unique combination of protection, mobility, and firepower. Nonetheless, MBTs currently numbered in the fleet inventories of the EU Member States and EDF associated countries (Norway) are either ageing or obsolete and, therefore, the latter face the compelling need to modernise their in-service platforms and replace those of them approaching the end of their operational life. Against this background, the upgrade of current and development of future main battle tank technologies capable of outstanding operational effectiveness and mission success in all possible future scenarios are highly necessary. Specific objective To this end, it is of key importance for future European MBT systems to: be designed to operate in all environments, including urban and symmetrical high intensity warfare, counter peer or near peer and asymmetrical threats, by operating dispersed in the context of multi-dimensional operations; have a higher level of protection, enhanced stealth capability, enhanced survivability in all environments against symmetric and asymmetric threats, and resilience against cyber- and electronic warfare-attacks; have a higher capability of detecting and identifying threats at greater distances; be operated by a smaller crew, compared to present/today’s designs, allowing the system to be lighter, more compact, and agile; be equipped with advanced command and control system that supports the crew with situational awareness, target acquisition, target engagements, target handover, battle space management, data- and information sharing; be able to cooperate with adjacent manned and unmanned robotic assets; rely on a superior firepower to engage and win symmetrical duels, as well as to conduct urban and asymmetrical operations successfully; rely on advanced mobility (e.g. higher speed, better manoeuvrability in all terrains, new operating modes such as silent mode), a lower fuel consumption, greater operational range and autonomy, and supply the increased electric demand of on-board equipment and weapons; be prepared to be operated unmanned in the future. Scope : The proposals must address studies and design for the upgrade of current and development of future main battle tank technologies, including enabling and green technologies, leading to a system level, capable of outstanding operational effectiveness and mission success in all possible future scenarios. Furthermore, the proposals must take into account aspects such as mobility, deployability, autonomy, firepower, protection and cybersecurity. Types of activities The following table lists the types of activities which are eligible for this topic, and whether they are mandatory or optional (see Article 10(3) EDF Regulation) : Types of activities (art 10(3) EDF Regulation) Eligible? (a) Activities that aim to create, underpin and improve knowledge, products and technologies , including disruptive technologies, which can achieve significant effects in the area of defence ( generating knowledge ) No (b) Activities that aim to increase interoperability and resilience, including secured production and exchange of data, to master critical defence technologies, to strengthen the security of supply or to enable the effective exploitation of results for defence products and technologies ( integrating knowledge ) Yes(optional) (c) Studies , such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or upgraded products, technologies, processes, services and solutions Yes(mandatory) (d) Design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such a design has been developed, including any partial test for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment Yes(mandatory) (e) System prototyping of a defence product, tangible or intangible c