Enhancing physical protection of critical infrastructures

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The topic funds innovation projects that strengthen the physical protection of critical infrastructure against emerging threats. It is relevant to critical infrastructure operators, authorities and their technology and research partners.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

Physical protection of critical infrastructure needs to keep pace with risks from the malicious use of new and emerging technologies and with a changing operating environment. Threats named include improvised explosive devices, ramming attacks, sabotage, hostile unmanned platforms including swarm robotics, unauthorised access by people and vehicles, access to hazardous material storage, removal of critical components, and deterioration due to age, design or changed conditions including climate.

What proposals should do

• Identify and analyse new challenges for the physical security of critical entities.
• Develop tools, recommendations, manuals and training programmes for operators and authorities.
• Use nature-based solutions and respect biodiversity principles where relevant.
• Take account of supply chain interdependencies and coordinate with projects under related 2025 critical infrastructure topics.

Expected outcomes

• Better physical risk and hazard assessment by operators and authorities.
• Perimeter security, access control, surveillance and sensor systems able to cope with misuse of emerging technologies.
• Improved operational procedures, incident management and training curricula.
• Innovative resilience solutions using spatial planning, security-by-design, preparedness-by-design and nature-based solutions.

Technology readiness

Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-7 by the end of the project.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

4 de noviembre de 2027 (364 días)

4 November 2027 (single-stage submission).