On January 30th 2024, the European Commission launches the SCUALE project, coordinated by Thales, and brings together 14 industry players and research institutes from 8 European countries. SCUALE (Sustainable Components for Underwater Acoustics using Lead-free materials in Europe) project aims to study, develop and produce advanced lead-free materials and components with improved performance to replace existing piezoelectric ceramics for military underwater acoustics applications. The overarching goal of SCUALE project is to establish at least one European supply chain of lead-free piezoelectric materials suitable for underwater acoustics military applications. The kick-off meeting of this EU funded project marks the start of collaboration journey. Together with the representatives of the European Commission, the MoD and the industrial partners, the consortium discussed state-of-the-art new lead-free ceramics formulation, lab-scale production and disruptive manufacturing processes.