OSRA Cluster_24.RTI.OP.185

Research & Technology (R&T) provides a critical contribution to the preparation of future capabilities. Together with innovative solutions developed by different defence actors, it brings real and tangible operational benefits to MS’ armed forces. Europe’s defence systems have been developed thanks to major R&T investments that, given the length of development cycles, were made decades ago.

To accomplish its mission as defined in Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1835, EDA promotes, facilitates and manages R&T activities within 15 technology domains (Capability Technology groups

• CapTechs ) in order to develop knowledge and technologies needed for future defence capabilities. A CapTech is a working group dedicated to a particular technology area (Area of Responsibility
• AoR) linked to the EDA R&T taxonomy. The core task of a CapTech is to gather inputs from the MS experts in order to identify technology gaps and common areas of interest for cooperation. Non-governmental experts (e.g. industries, universities, small and medium enterprises
• SMEs, research centres) also contribute to the discussions with ideas for innovation and the most up-to-date technology trends. The purpose of a CapTech is to propose R&T activities in response to agreed defence capability needs and to generate collaborative R&T projects accordingly within a specific technological scope. The CapTechs also contribute to the preparation of projects and programmes not carried out within the CapTech framework, as e.g. in the frame of the European Defence Fund (EDF), with their expertise whenever required. Up to six (6) different types of contracts, with a combined maximum envelope of EUR 2,5 Mill are envisaged under the “OSRA” Cluster: LOT I: CapTech Air Strategic Research Agenda (ref. 24.RTI.OP.186), LOT II: CapTech Maritime Strategic Research Agenda Agenda (ref. 24.RTI.OP.190) & LOT III: CapTech CBRN Strategic Research (ref. 24.RTI.OP.191) The scope of these Direct Contracts is the provision of the “Update or development of the CapTechs’ Strategic Research Agendas”. The SRAs update will comprehensively cover the following aspects across all domains:
• Implement the new template for SRA resulting from the OSRA v3 framework.
• Document information.
• Update the existing sections and contents (e.g., Executive Summary to reflect the current state of the art
• technology landscaping, gap analysis, TBBs, conclusions) ensuring their accuracy and alignment with the OSRA v3 guidelines.
• TBB roadmaps.
• CapTech mission and objectives. Update the CapTech mission, objectives, and AoR based on the EDA Defence Technology Taxonomy v2.
• State of the art and gap analysis.
• Identify cross-CapTech activities.
• Identify the innovation needs, approach and expected activities in line with the “Hub for EU Defence Innovation” (HEDI) services.

LOT IV: FWC CapTech Foresight Workshops (ref. 24.RTI.OP.192 & 24.RTI.SC.193) The primary objective of this FWC study is to support the definition and the implementation of the OSRA via a rigorous Technology Foresight activity, adding further to the RTI long-term vision of advanced technologies exploitation in EU defence. This will be accomplished through a series of foresight exercises and related thematic workshops, each concentrating on selected emerging technologies and their impact on future defence capabilities. LOT V: FWC in support of the Action Plan on Autonomous Systems (ref. 24.RTI.OP.194 & 24.RTI.SC.195) The general objective of this FWC is the provision of support to the continued and ongoing implementation of the APAS, through specific activities.

LOT VI: FWC in support of the AI Action Plan (ref. 24.RTI.OP.267 & 24.RTI.SC.328) The general objective of this FWC is the provision of support to the continued and ongoing implementation of the AI Action Plan, through specific activities.