Future multirole light aircraft

Open

This is the status published by the official source.

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Scope:
There is a need for a new multirole light aircraft that can bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology, as most of the fleet in this segment across the EU is ageing.
The future multirole light aircraft (FMLA) concept must not duplicate or create fragmentation of existing systems of turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft and associated electronic systems. By exploiting the existing platforms, technologies and innovations in Europe, this research topic can reduce the risks associated with the development of FMLA capabilities for air-to-ground operations. FMLA should also be effective in specific combat roles such as light attack, anti-drone interception and close air support.
The objective of this topic is therefore to develop a low-cost, single-engine (turboprop) aircraft capable of operating in a variety of operational environments, providing 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 during counter-terrorism missions.
This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies.
Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.
Indicative budget: EUR 15 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.
Indicative number of proposals to be funded: Several proposals may be funded for this topic.

Status

Open

Deadline

29 September 2026 (time not stated)

Opens

11 February 2026

Published

11 February 2026

Country

European Union (EU-wide)

Programme

European Defence Fund (EDF)

Funder

European Commission

Official page

Open at the source portal

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  described in section 10 of the call document . Call document and annexes: Call document Application form templates Standard application form (EDF) — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Detailed budget table (EDF RA) Participant information (EDF) List of infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources (EDF) Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (EDF) Ownership control declaration Ownership control guarantee PRS declaration … — conditions §6

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  described in section 7 of the call document — conditions §4

Prepare the documents

• Prepare Part B of the Application Form standard for this programme

  Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. — conditions

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