Context · EIB · EU
EIB Group: €4.5bn security & defence target for 2026 and Defence Equity Facility 2.0 (€1bn fund-of-funds)
European Investment Bank / EIF · published 20 Mar 2026 · ✓ analyst reviewed · Source ↗
Deadline—
Budget / value€1.00bn
Statusopen
Why it matters
For founders and VCs: EIF is now the anchor LP for European defence funds — expect more defence-dedicated funds closing in H2 2026, and cheaper venture debt/guarantees for SME suppliers via national promotional banks.
Summary
The EIB Group raised its 2026 security & defence financing target to €4.5bn (from >€4bn signed in 2025 vs €1.2bn in 2024), extended the SESI window to pure-military projects, and endorsed a Defence Equity Facility 2.0 fund-of-funds with an initial €1bn target; InvestEU DEF committed €50m to Join Capital Fund III in March 2026.
Related
Funding call
EDIP
· EU
· deadline 13 Oct 2026 (57d)
· €10.0m
This is operational-overhead funding for the new SEAP legal vehicles rather than technology R&D, and it is only usable by entities that have already been established as SEAPs. Relevant mainly to consortium managers and consultancies advising multi-state armament programmes on setting up readiness pools. Do: If you are involved in an established or forming SEAP, watch for the call document to publish on the Funding & Tenders Portal and prepare the operating-plan and financial-capacity annexes before 13 October 2026.
Context
CH federal
· Switzerland
· €25.20bn
This names the exact Swiss demand priorities for the next decade — C-UAS, counter-stand-off/air defence, cyber and critical-infrastructure protection — plus a second GBAD system alongside Patriot, which is a large future competition. Relevant to C-UAS, air-defence, cyber and infrastructure-protection suppliers able to deliver Swiss/European industrial content under the 60%-domestic policy. Do: Track armasuisse notices on simap.ch and pre-position with armasuisse/Gruppe Verteidigung on C-UAS, counter-stand-off and critical-infrastructure protection, and with Patriot/second-GBAD primes for offset subcontracting.
Context
DG DEFIS
· EU
· €2.30bn
Cash is now physically in Estonian hands, so Estonian MoD/ECDI procurement of ammunition, air defence and ground systems should accelerate in the coming months. Relevant to munitions, air-defence and ground-platform suppliers able to route via an Estonian entity or partner. Do: Monitor Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) tender pipeline and line up an Estonian partner or local entity now to bid on SAFE-funded ammunition, air-defence and ground systems procurements.
Context
SAFE
· EU
· €150.00bn
✓ reviewed
SAFE-financed contracts are appearing at national procurement agencies, not on the EU portal: Poland's Agencja Uzbrojenia has already signed >PLN 60bn — the buyers to watch this autumn are PL, LT, EE, HR, EL, CY (cash in hand) and RO/FR/BE (large allocations, agreements pending).
Tender
· Norway
· deadline 14 Sep 2026 (28d)
The Contracting Authority shall enter into this agreement on behalf of The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA). FMA is a part of the defence sector, directly under the Ministry of Defence (FD). FMA shall ensure that …
Tender
· Norway
· deadline 14 Sep 2026 (28d)
The Contracting Authority shall enter into this agreement on behalf of The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA). FMA is a part of the defence sector, directly under the Ministry of Defence (FD). FMA shall ensure that …
Source: https://www.eif.org/flagship-initiatives/defence-equity-facility-2-0 — summarised by Rearm Radar; verify details at source before bidding. Enrichment: analyst (confidence 95%).