Objective of the call
The objective of this action is to strengthen cooperation between the civilian and defence spheres through the development and deployment of dual-use cybersecurity technologies, applications and infrastructures.
Dual-use technologies are essential to enhance resilience of critical infrastructures, protect data, address cybercrime and counter hybrid threats. The action aims to foster cross-fertilisation and spill-over effects between civil and defence sectors, building synergies with initiatives under the Digital Europe Programme, Horizon Europe and the European Defence Fund.
The focus is on delivering operational systems, working prototypes and ready-to-market solutions relevant for both civilian and defence contexts.
Scope of activities
The action supports the development and deployment of dual-use cybersecurity technologies with relevance in both civilian and defence environments.
Projects should enhance operational cooperation and demonstrate concrete systems, tools or infrastructures.
Domains of interest include:
- Quantum-safe cryptography
Development of encryption methods resistant to quantum computing attacks to secure communications and protect critical civilian and military infrastructures.
- Zero Trust Architectures (ZTA)
Implementation of ZTA frameworks to prevent unauthorised access and enhance endpoint security in both civilian sectors (e.g. healthcare, finance) and defence systems.
- AI-driven threat detection and response
Deployment of AI-based tools for real-time threat detection, mitigation and predictive risk assessment. Solutions should support anomaly detection, adaptive defence and actionable intelligence analysis.
Deployment must comply with GDPR and AI Act requirements.
- Cyber ranges and digital twins for cybersecurity
Use of simulation environments and digital twin technologies to test cyberattack scenarios and identify vulnerabilities in civilian and military systems.
- Advanced SOAR tools
Development of Security Orchestration, Automation and Response platforms to streamline incident response across sectors.
Other cybersecurity domains with clear dual-use relevance are also eligible.
Demonstration areas may include:
- Protection of critical infrastructures (energy, transport, healthcare, communications, undersea infrastructure)
- Secure quantum-safe communication systems
- Hybrid threat management (e.g. GPS spoofing, ransomware combined with disinformation, cable sabotage)
- Extension of SOC/CSIRT capabilities compatible with defence requirements
- Digital fraud and digital violence prevention for public safety
Upon request by the ECCC, project consortia will participate in clustering activities to strengthen synergies between civilian and defence communities.
Expected Deliverables:
• Secure Data Sharing Framework: Develop standardised and encrypted communication mechanisms to facilitate seamless data exchange between civilian and military stakeholders. These mechanisms should align with GDPR and other EU regulatory requirements.
• Early Warning Systems (EWS): Establish a European-level EWS for cyber and hybrid threats. These systems should integrate real-time monitoring tools and predictive analytics to pre-emptively identify and neutralise cyber and hybrid threats targeting critical infrastructure.
• Collaborative Training Programmes: Design joint training programmes that incorporate AI and cybersecurity scenarios for both civilian (including law enforcement) and military personnel. These programmes should address sector specific needs and hybrid threat scenarios.
• Integrated Threat Detection Systems: Deploy unified threat detection systems leveraging AI, ZTA, and Digital Twins for cross-sectoral application, targeting current and emerging cyber and hybrid threats.
• Cross-Sector Security Standards: Develop harmonised cybersecurity standards for dual-use technologies to ensure interoperability and scalability across EU Member States and propose EU-wide frameworks for harmonising cybersecurity standards, ensuring seamless integration of civilian and military technologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Integration: Facilitate partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including national authorities, SMEs, academia, and industry stakeholders to foster innovation and deployment of dual-use solutions.
Eligible applicants
Stakeholders in either Cybersecurity Civilian and Defence Sphere, aiming at fostering joint collaborations targeting the delivery of concrete systems, tools and technologies, such as:
- Industrial players
- Defence Ministries and Agencies
- SMEs and start-ups
- relevant actors that play a role in the European Cybersecurity Civilian and Defence Spheres
Multi-country consortia composition is not mandatory for this topic but will positively contribute to the impact of the action.
Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (more info on eligible countries will be published soon)
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Simple grant
Funding rate:
50%
Indicative budget
€10 million
Deadline for submission
Q3 2026