Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE)

This procedure establishes the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE). Amendments frame defence innovation around emerging and disruptive technologies such as AI, quantum, robotics, cyber and space, building on the EDF and EUDIS frameworks and lessons from Ukraine, with accelerated cycles, sandbox testing and protection of strategic infrastructure against hybrid threats. They tie challenges to the Capability Development Plan and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), give targeted support to Eastern border regions bordering Russia and Belarus, and exclude control by non-associated third countries with limited derogations. They allow funding up to 100% of eligible costs, involvement of the SEDE and ITRE committees in evaluation, alignment with EDIP (Regulation (EU) 2025/2643), a possible EDF-committee merger under Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, and procurement under Directive 2009/81/EC.