The European Union is exploring a stealth-focused light attack aircraft concept as part of its 2026 planning under the European Defence Fund. The initiative aims to address an emerging capability gap in Europe's light military aviation segment on the 2035-2040 horizon.
The European Union plans to create a 'Space Shield' program as part of its readiness roadmap. ESA will fund development of space-based ISR technologies in support of this effort.
Leonardo has successfully completed the first flight of its Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor - Technology Demonstrator (NGCTR-TD), a project conducted in collaboration with the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking program of the European Union. The technology demonstrator took place on December 19, 2025, at Leonardo's facility near Milan Malpensa International Airport.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh criticized the EU's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandates as failing to address the root causes of delays and sustainability challenges. The industry is facing significant hurdles in meeting ambitious climate targets due to supply scarcity and rising prices.