European Union looks at stealth-focused light attack aircraft by 2035

The European Union is examining a stealth-focused light attack aircraft concept as part of its 2026 planning under the European Defence Fund, aiming 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 initiative carries an indicative €15 million budget for studies and design work. Multiple projects may be funded. At this stage, the effort remains exploratory, aimed at aligning requirements and industrial options rather than launching a full development program. 

Small, aging niche 

Polish Air Force PZL 130 Orlik (Credit: Oleg V. Belyakov)EU planners point out that most light multirole aircraft still operated by member states are now 30 to 40 years old. In practice, the EU in-service segment is thin and fragmented, largely overlapping with turboprop trainers that can be armed. 

Portugal is the clearest outlier, having selected the Embraer A-29N Super Tucano for training and close air support. Croatia and Slovenia operate Pilatus PC-9M aircraft, marketed as suitable for reconnaissance and CAS in addition to training. Poland’s PZL-130 Orlik and Austria’s PC-7 retain provisions for external stores but remain primarily trainers, while Belgium and Italy continue to operate SF-260 variants mainly for basic training. 

The most modern example is the Pilatus PC-21, operated by France and Spain. Although acquired as an advanced trainer, the PC-21 has already been employed operationally by France for homeland air security, including airborne visual surveillance during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Survivability and counter-drone relevance 

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.  

What sets the EU concept apart is its focus on survivability, and, unusually for this aircraft class, an explicit interest in reduced observability. While light attack aircraft traditionally rely on tactics, altitude, and permissive environments for protection, the FMLA call asks proposals to explore radar- and sensor-signature reduction through materials and coatings, alongside protection of onboard electronics against electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic pulse effects. 

The call text explicitly lists “drone interception” among the expected combat roles for a future light aircraft, reflecting a wider operational shift. In recent conflicts, low-cost manned aircraft have been pressed into this role out of necessity.

In Ukraine, both Ukrainian and Russian forces have experimented with adapted light aircraft to hunt slow, low-flying drones, including the use of Yak-52 trainers and even Zlin Z-137 Agro Turbo crop-dusting aircraft against reconnaissance and one-way attack UAVs.  

At the industrial level, manufacturers are already responding to this demand: Embraer, for example, has publicly positioned the A-29 Super Tucano as a candidate for counter-drone missions, combining persistence, onboard sensors, and relatively cheap weapons to engage targets that would be uneconomical to intercept with fast jets or surface-to-air missiles. 

Studies and design only 

Embraer A-29 Super Tucano counters Unmanned Aerial Systems (Credit: Embraer)The 2026 call excludes prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification. Mandatory work focuses on aircraft architecture, feasibility of one or two configurations, life-cycle cost validation, survivability studies, and a preliminary requirements review approved by participating states. 

The notional aircraft would be a small turboprop, certifiable under EMAR 21, with a MTOW of up to 7,500 kilograms (16,000 pounds), STOL capability, and a reconfigurable cargo compartment. Compliance with established military and civil standards for safety, software, cybersecurity, and electromagnetic compatibility is expected. Affordability across acquisition and life-cycle costs is central, alongside open architecture, SME participation, and export potential. The post European Union looks at stealth-focused light attack aircraft by 2035 appeared first on AeroTime.

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