DEFRA 2026 Thematic Call – Pulsed Directed Energy Effectors
Developing Breakthrough Technologies for Future Counter-UAS Capabilities
Within the framework of the DEFRA (Defence-related Research Action) programme, BELSPO and the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID) will launch a new thematic call entitled “Pulsed Directed Energy Effectors” on 21 August 2026. The call aims to support the development and demonstration of innovative technology building blocks for future directed-energy Counter-UAS capabilities. The call focuses on the delivery of technology brick demonstrations up to TRL 4, representing a first step towards future Proof of Concept and technology demonstrator activities.
Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Launch of the call | 21 August 2026 |
| Online information session | 31 August 2026 (13:30 – 15:00) |
| Pre-proposal deadline | 11 September 2026 (14:00) |
| Communication of pre-proposal evaluation results | 25 September 2026 |
| Full proposal deadline | 16 October 2026 (14:00) |
| Ethical evaluation | 16 – 20 October 2026 |
| Panel evaluation | 26 – 27 October 2026 |
| Selection proposal by the RHID Scientific Committee | 5 November 2026 |
| Final selection by the RHID Board of Directors | 20 November 2026 |
| Communication of results | 23 November 2026 |
| Contract signature | December 2026 |
Call objective
The objective of this call is to support the design, development and experimental validation of critical technology components enabling future directed-energy effectors for Counter-UAS applications. Projects should contribute to the maturation of innovative technology bricks and demonstrate their feasibility in laboratory or controlled test environments
Theme 1 – Pulsed Microwave Technology Bricks
Development and validation of technology bricks based on pulsed microwave or high-power electromagnetic approaches, including:
- Pulsed microwave sources;
- Power conditioning subsystems;
- Waveform control;
- Emission architectures;
- Antenna and beamforming technologies;
- Interaction with drone electronic systems;
- Modelling and experimental validation.
Indicative budget: €2 million.
Theme 2 – Pulsed Laser Technology Bricks
Development and validation of technology bricks based on pulsed laser systems and temporal waveform control, including:
- Laser sources;
- Pulse generation and control;
- Power conditioning subsystems;
- Thermal management;
- Optical and beam-focusing subsystems;
- Laser-material interaction;
- Modelling and experimental validation.
Indicative budget: €3 million.
Budget and Project Duration
The call has a total indicative budget of €5 million, distributed across the two themes. Selected projects will have a duration of 12 to 18 months.
Information session
An online information session will take place on 31 August 2026 from 13:30 to 15:00 to present the call and answer questions from potential applicants.
Registration details are available on the official BELSPO website.