EDIDP-funded Programme Aims at Increasing EU Technological Autonomy

The Navantia Training Centre in San Fernando played host to the third ‘Sea Defence’ meeting on 10-11 May. Funded by the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), all the major European shipyards take part in ‘Sea Defence.’

Launched in 2020, the programme aims to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base and increase EU’s technological autonomy and leadership. It expects to develop a feasibility study to provide a roadmap for development and integration of technologies in the next generation of naval platforms, and will include recommendations for maturing the most promising technologies that will offer significant capability change for the armed forces.

Major European naval shipyards collaborating in the programme include Damen, Naval Group, Fincantieri, Navantia, SAAB Kockums, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and Lürssen Defence. Some of the sector’s strategic companies, such as TNO, MARIN, Odense Maritime Technology and the Naval Technology Centre (Murcia) also participate as main partners.

The project is supported by several EU Member States, ensuring that the results of the project will lead to real next-generation naval capabilities that will effectively support European naval forces in confronting potential future threats.