Brussels:The European Commission has announced the adoption of a new funding tool called AGILE, designed to accelerate the development of disruptive defence technology. This initiative aims to swiftly transition technology from the lab to the field, with a total funding of £115 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, the AGILE programme will offer dedicated support to small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups and scale-ups, to foster innovative defence solutions and assist in their market adoption. The programme focuses on two main activities the development of mission-driven disruptive defence products and technologies, and aiding these solutions in reaching the market.
The adoption of AGILE occurred in less than seven months after the European Commission proposed it in March 2026, showcasing the EU's commitment to enhancing Europe's innovation capacity. This rapid implementation is intended to bolster Europe's ability to develop, test, and deploy new technologies efficiently, providing support to smaller innovators to swiftly bring their solutions to the armed forces.