This EDF-2026 topic targets the development of a Future Multirole Light Aircraft (FMLA) concept to address an emerging strategic capability gap in Europe, as much of the current light multirole aircraft fleet is ageing (often 30–40 years old). The call aims to bridge the gap between today’s battlefield needs and modern technology, without duplicating or fragmenting existing European turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft systems and their associated electronic systems. Building on existing European platforms, technologies, and innovations, the action(s) funded under this topic should facilitate the development of an affordable, low-cost turboprop aircraft capable of operating in a wide variety of operational environments and providing: (i) direct air support; (ii) ground targeting; (iii) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) with combat elements; and (iv) air strike coordination and reconnaissance with air traffic control support from forward positions in hostile environments, including counter-terrorism missions.

The FMLA is expected to become increasingly valuable due to its versatility, lower operating costs, and adaptability to emerging mission needs. It is positioned as a cheaper alternative to jets for asymmetric warfare, including light attack and armed reconnaissance roles, and should be suitable for austere environments with limited infrastructure. Beyond military applications, the aircraft must also be easily convertible for civil security and EU internal needs such as search and rescue (SAR), border surveillance, and natural disaster relief missions.

Proposals must study and design the FMLA in one or two aircraft configurations, depending on convergence of requirements among supporting EU Member States and EDF associated countries. The scope explicitly includes exploring modern technologies and materials that minimise the aircraft’s visibility to radars and other detection systems (e.g., radiation-absorbing paints/coatings) to increase survivability, and solutions to protect aircraft electronic systems against interference and damage from external electromagnetic fields (including EMP threats). Proposals may also address durability-improving coatings for extreme conditions and manufacturing technologies/materials (including high-temperature materials and coatings).

Funding is oriented to research actions focused on studies and design: feasibility studies and requirement analysis are mandatory, as is design work (including technical specifications and partial tests for risk reduction in representative/industrial environments). Prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and life-cycle efficiency asset development are ineligible under this topic. Mandatory tasks include aircraft architecture concept creation, feasibility studies (configurations, survivability, MUM-T), budget and schedule validation (including life-cycle costs), technology exploration and pre-development plans, detailed requirement analysis and end-user needs, reconfiguration and GNSS-denied operations concepts, autonomy/pilot assistance trends for single-pilot operation, material technology applicability and life-cycle environmental impact analysis, and a Preliminary Requirements Review (PRR) approved by supporting Member States/associated countries. The design work must include preliminary identification/assessment of candidate solutions and defining reference and future configurations and equipment.

The FMLA should be designed, manufactured and tested so it can be certified under EMAR 21, with MTOW up to 7,500 kg, STOL capability, and a cargo compartment (rear/side cargo door/ramp). It should apply standards including ARP-4754A (development), ARP-4761 (safety), MIL-STD-810H (environment), MIL-STD-461G (EMI/EMC), MIL-STD-704 (electric power), DO-178C (software), DO-254 (complex hardware), and DO-326A/DO-356A (cybersecurity), with justification and gap analysis for any deviation.

Opening: 09.12.2026
Deadline(s): 29.09.2026