Around EUR 15 million has been set aside in the new European Defence Fund budget for. 2026 for the the development of a Future Multirole Light Aircraft (FMLA) with a counter-UAS capability. The aircraft will be capable of carrying out close air support, drone interception, reconnaissance, strike coordination, and target designation missions.
According to the budget document:
“The development of a future multirole light aircraft is included in the EDF annual work programme for 2026, with the objective to bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology. Experience from the conflict in Ukraine shows the relevance of such a universal platform, which will be able to provide direct air support, ground targeting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with combat elements, and air strike coordination and reconnaissance with air traffic control support in a forward position in hostile environments.”
The aircraft will be powered by a turboprop engine, have a maximum takeoff weight of up to 7.5 tons, and be capable of short takeoff and landing from runways as short as 450 meters. Unconfirmed media reports say it will be built of advanced materials and technologies that reduce radar visibility, ensure resilience to electronic warfare, and include onboard radar systems as well as elements of so‑called adaptive camouflage. The planned delivery horizon for the new aircraft is 2035–2040.
For more information
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7a84b97c-5258-40a7-ac8e-460bcd87bbb7_en?filename=EDF+Indicative+Multiannual+Perspective+2026-2027.pdf#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20the%20development%20of,today’s%20battlefield%20and%20modern%20technology.
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