Ministère des Armées: what support is available for defense companies and dual-use innovation?

The ministry's role with businesses

The Ministère des Armées and the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) offer schemes to strengthen the defence industrial and technological base, support suppliers and back innovation. Depending on the need, support may take the form of guidance, a grant, a loan, an investment, or access to markets and trials. The armament industry business portal centralises the main entry points.

The two schemes referenced in Capital OS

The reference catalogue links two schemes to the ministry: "Accélérateur Défense", a support programme for business leaders who contribute directly or indirectly to equipping the armed forces, and RAPID, a financial support scheme for industrial research or experimental development projects with dual applications.

Accélérateur Défense: supporting industrial scale-up

The Accélérateur Défense targets business leaders who contribute to equipping the armed forces and need to strengthen their strategy, operational excellence, project management, commercial performance, growth, recruitment and digitalisation. The reference catalogue describes an 18-month support programme.

RAPID: financing dual-use research and experimental development

The RAPID scheme supports technological projects of interest to both defence and potential civilian applications. It may target industrial research or experimental development projects, either standalone or within a consortium. Projects must go beyond the state of the art, overcome technical barriers and offer prospects for industrialisation and economic benefits in France.

What expenses and partners can be covered?

For RAPID, the reference catalogue mentions research staff costs, equipment depreciation, costs of buildings and land, contract research and subcontracting, expert services, and certain operating costs, consumables, travel and patent expenses. A consortium may include one or two complementary partners depending on the scheme's rules.

How to submit an application?

For the Accélérateur Défense, follow the programme's official page and check the application date, selection criteria and the remaining cost to the business. For RAPID, consult the Agence de l'innovation de défense's page, the technical expectations and the current application procedures; prepare the description of the technical barrier, the state of the art, the civilian and military applications, the work programme, the partners and the detailed budget.

FAQ

Is RAPID a loan? No, the support is a project grant subject to conditions. Can all SMEs apply? No, the project must be of interest to defence and have civilian/military dual use, and must meet the headcount and in-France delivery criteria. Does the Accélérateur Défense cover the full cost? No, the reference catalogue indicates DGA co-funding and a significant remaining cost for the business. Is the 80% RAPID rate guaranteed? No, it depends on the project, the business and the collaboration.

Official sources

• Support for start-ups, SMEs and mid-sized companies — Ministère des Armées / DGA
• Accélérateur Défense / PEPS 2026 — DGA — Ministère des Armées
• Financial support and industrial performance — DGA — Armament portal
• RAPID — Dual-use innovation support scheme — Agence de l'innovation de défense
• Submit an innovation project — Agence de l'innovation de défense
• Schemes specific to SMEs and mid-sized companies — Ministère des Armées