The European Defense Fund (EDF) is an initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of its member states. Launched in 2017, the fund supports collaborative defense research and the development of military equipment, encouraging countries to work together on defense projects. By pooling resources, the EDF seeks to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy and improve the efficiency of defense spending. It also aims to foster innovation in the defense sector, ensuring that European nations can respond effectively to security challenges while promoting a more integrated defense market within the EU.