European Union Explores Future Multirole Light Aircraft Concept for Low-Intensity Missions

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. Listed as the ‘Future Multirole Light Aircraft’ (FMLA), the project carries an indicative €15 million budget for studies and design work. EU planners point out that most light multirole aircraft still operated by member states are now 30 to 40 years old. The EU frames the aircraft as a lower-cost option for low-intensity and asymmetric missions, while stressing dual-use adaptability for border surveillance, search and rescue, and disaster relief.