Brussels:The European Parliament has approved the establishment of AGILE, a £115 million programme aimed at enhancing defence innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and scale-ups. This initiative is a response to the changing security landscape shaped by Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the AGILE programme is designed to support the rapid development of emerging and disruptive defence technologies. It will provide fast-track grants and access to essential testing and certification processes, ensuring member states can set challenges that align with their specific capability needs.

The programme will focus on facilitating the adaptation of civil technologies for defence applications, aiming to bridge the gap between development and deployment. AGILE will offer a streamlined four-month time-to-grant process, complementing the EU's existing defence industrial tools. It will also foster connections between SMEs and major defence industry companies through dedicated matchmaking efforts.

Lead MEPs and committee chairs have emphasized the importance of the programme in strengthening European defence capabilities. Tonino Picula highlighted its role in supporting Ukraine and enhancing security of supply, while Ivars Ijabs stressed the need for rapid funding and reduced bureaucracy to leverage Europe's innovative strength. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and Borys Budka both underscored the programme's potential to accelerate the transition of innovations from prototype to operational capability.

The legislation passed with 536 votes in favor, 101 against, and 16 abstentions. It now awaits formal endorsement by the Council and will be published in the Official Journal before its operational launch in early 2027. AGILE aims to support SMEs in delivering cost-efficient and strategically independent defence solutions.