EU AGILE programme: Commission proposes €115m fast-track defence innovation fund for AI and drone technologies

The European Commission has proposed AGILE, a €115 million pilot instrument to compress defence technology development timelines from years to months, with a four-month target time-to-grant. The programme targets mission-driven AI, autonomous systems, quantum computing and drones, with funding for 20 to 30 projects from SMEs and startups. Legislative approval by Parliament and Council is required before operational calls open.