On February 17, a series of three related events focused on the European Defense Fund (EDF) 2026 took place in Prague. The Association of the Defense and Security Industry of the Czech Republic (DSIA) thus created a comprehensive program that combined strategic discussion, presentation of the Czech defense industry to foreign partners, and specific B2B negotiations on future consortia.

The morning National EDF Info Day 2026 was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic. At the same time, Czech Industry Day was organized by DSIA at the premises of enovation as part of the EOA (Enhancing Opportunities for All) project. Both parts of the day culminated in the afternoon EDF On-Site Matchmaking event. The whole day was designed as a comprehensive ecosystem. The morning was devoted to expert and strategic debates and discussions on possible frameworks for cooperation, with presentations by Czech companies for foreign partners, while the afternoon was devoted to targeted B2B meetings.

EDF Info Day 2026

The professional part of the program was opened by the National EDF Info Day 2026, focusing on the current challenges of the EDF 2026 work program, national priorities, and the practical involvement of Czech entities.

The opening speech was delivered by Radka Konderlová, Director General of the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Ministry of Defense. DSIA Vice President Kristýna Helm emphasized that the Czech defense and security industry is an important partner in European defense cooperation thanks to its technological sophistication, historical tradition, and export orientation.

It was noted that participation in European consortia is not only a business opportunity but also a tool for strengthening European security and technological sovereignty. The Czech Republic has capabilities ranging from the production of ammunition and ground systems to advanced and disruptive technologies.

The expert program continued with practical presentations focused on the EDF 2026 work program, the principles of creating international consortia, and current changes in the fund's settings, including the role of national coordination. With a budget of €8 billion for the period 2021–2027, the European Defense Fund is now one of the key instruments for building a European defense technology and industrial base. The technologies developed within its framework will form the basis for future joint European acquisitions. An important part of the event was the presentation of the PRODEF program, which is being implemented by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense. The PRODEF program is planned for the period 2024–2031 with an allocation of CZK 3.6 billion and an average support intensity of 60%. Under subprogram PP1, it allows for additional funding of up to 50% of the Czech co-financing in successful EDF projects. This significantly reduces the financial barrier to entry for Czech entities in international projects.

Subprogram PP2 focuses on national public tenders in defense research, particularly in the areas of emerging and disruptive technologies (autonomous systems, cybernetics, new materials, quantum technologies, and radar systems). This creates an interconnected model: European funding through the EDF supplemented by national support through PRODEF. Participation in CapTech technology groups and involvement in NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) studies were also discussed, as was the broader context of other EU and NATO programs supporting defense research and development.

Czech Industry Day: Czech industry in front of an international audience

At the same time, Czech Industry Day 2026, intended for international participants, took place at another location. The event was held at the enforum event space and hosted by enovation, a member of DSIA. The meeting was organized as part of the EOA (Enhancing Opportunities for All) project, which aims to strengthen the involvement of member states in the activities of the European Defense Fund.

The aim of this part was to introduce foreign partners to the Czech defense industry and its technological capabilities, experience in international cooperation, and ambitions to join new consortia. In addition to an overview of European defense R&D opportunities, presentations were given by selected Czech companies representing the breadth of the domestic sector, from traditional production and modernization of defense systems to advanced development projects and technological innovations. Czech Industry Day was not only a presentation event but also a platform for building trust and professional relationships.

On-Site Matchmaking: From presentations to negotiations

The highlight of the day was the EDF On-Site Matchmaking event, attended by more than 250 representatives from industry, research organizations, and public administration. The event began with speeches by Michal Rendla from the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Ministry of Defense and Kristýna Helm, Vice President of DSIA, who emphasized the importance of active involvement of Czech industry in European consortia and the need for long-term partnership building. This was followed by short technological "pitch" presentations by entities seeking partners for consortia, and in the afternoon, pre-planned B2B meetings took place. It was here that theoretical information and presentations turned into concrete discussions about project plans. The matchmaking event thus confirmed that European defense cooperation is not only formed at the strategic level, but above all through personal negotiations between experts.

The European Defense Fund, with a budget of €8 billion for the period 2021–2027, will have a major impact on the shape of future European defense projects. Platforms currently being developed under the EDF may become part of joint European acquisition programs.

The participation of Czech companies in European Defense Fund projects is therefore not just an opportunity to obtain funding for research and development. Above all, it means strengthening the Czech Republic's position within the European defense technology and industrial base in the long term and actively participating in shaping future joint capabilities. Active involvement today means a strategic position tomorrow.