DEFRA - Defence-related Research Action: 6th call - Information Days
BELSPO
This event aims to inform potential applicants about the upcoming 6th call of the Defence-related Research Action DEFRA. It also seeks to provide networking opportunities for participants.
BELSPO and the RHID will launch the 6th call within the framework of DEFRA.
Information days are scheduled for 27 and 28 January 2026 at the Royal Military Academy.
The event will cover the context, scope, and modalities of the call, also allowing applicants to connect and explore collaboration opportunities. More details about the programme and registration will be available at the end of December 2025.
Themes
- Theme 1 - Resilient Propulsion Technologies for Strategic Autonomy
- Theme 2 - Cyber : Advanced Data Management and Intelligence Concepts
- Theme 3 - Innovative Solutions for Military Medical Logistics in Challenging Environments
- Theme 4 - Biomanufacturing
- Theme 5 - Smart energy management, energy optimisation (including optimised storage technologies)
- Theme 6 - Next generation sensing
- Theme 7 - Exploring and Integrating Unmanned Systems
- Theme 8 - Conflict Dynamics & Warning Intelligence
- Theme 9 - Communications Technology
- Theme 10 - Open call: Defence relevant research
More information: DEFRA call 2026
Provisional calendar *
ActivityDeadline
Information session | 27 and 28 January 2026
Deadline Pre-proposals | 19 February 2026 (14h00)
Communication of evaluation result pre-proposals | 23 March 2026
Deadline Full proposals | 4 May 2026 (14h00)
Remote scientific peer review evaluation | 5 May - 1 June 2026
Feedback to applicants in preparation of panel meeting
(consensus reports & questions to applicants) | 30 June 2026
Written feedback by applicants (answers) | 31 July 2026
Panel evaluation, incl. interviews with the applicants | Between 10 August and 2 September 2026
Selection proposal formulated by the scientific committee of the RHID | 10 September 2026
Final selection of proposals by the board of directors of the RHID and allocation of projects | 1 October 2026
Communication of results to applicants | 6 October 2026
Signature contracts | 16 November 2026
*Exact dates are to be confirmed