Cyber and information warfare toolbox

The Cyber and Information Warfare Toolbox funding program targets a diverse range of European entities focused on enhancing the Union's defence capabilities. It broadly supports organisations and entities involved in research, development, and innovation within the defence sector, with a specific emphasis on cyber and information warfare. The program’s overarching objective is to bolster European technological sovereignty and improve collective defence effectiveness in a digitalized battlespace.

The Cyber and Information Warfare Toolbox program funds projects focused on developing robust solutions for cyber and information warfare. It prioritizes the creation of a coherent library of software configurable components, particularly those leveraging AI, and supports activities across various stages of technological development from design to prototyping, testing, and qualification. The eligible sectors are primarily defence and information technology, with a focus on countering modern hybrid threats.

The Cyber and Information Warfare Toolbox program provides financial support in the form of grants. The budget allocated to the broader EDF-2022-DA call, which includes this topic, was 510,000,000 € for the year 2022. While no specific maximum funding amount per project is stated, the program is designed to facilitate significant development actions in the defence sector through substantial financial contributions.

Applicants for the Cyber and Information Warfare Toolbox program must adhere to stringent conditions covering application submission, consortium formation, budgetary rules, and other provisions ensuring the ethical and strategic alignment of projects. These requirements are crucial for successful participation and project implementation within the European Defence Fund framework.

The application process for the Cyber and Information Warfare Toolbox program is structured, requiring detailed submissions through a dedicated online system. The evaluation and award decisions follow clear criteria and a predefined timeline, as outlined in the official call documents and the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual.

The Cyber and Information Warfare Toolbox program is firmly rooted in specific legal and regulatory frameworks established by the European Union. These foundational documents govern its authorization, operation, and the management of funds, ensuring transparency and compliance across all activities.