<![CDATA[Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are emerging hybrid materials that combine thin metal sheets with fiber-reinforced polymers to produce lightweight, high-strength, and damage-tolerant structures for advanced transportation applications. This review synthesizes the literature provided in the scientific databases and open reference sources, focusing on 2024-2026 developments in laminate design, forming, interface strengthening, machining, impact response, numerical modeling, and sustainability. The review shows that FML performance is not governed by a single variable, but by the co-design of metal type, fiber orientation, stacking sequence, interfacial quality, curing or forming route, and final cutting strategy. Recent studies indicate a shift from isolated test-based optimization toward integrated approaches linking processing, damage evolution, and end-use function. Nanofillers, surface treatments, active hydroforming, laser forming, helical milling, abrasive waterjet cutting, and finite element modeling are increasingly used to expand performance limits and reduce defects such as delamination, burrs, voids, springback, and tool wear. At the same time, ecodesign and debonding-on-demand studies demonstrate that sustainability must be considered from the design stage rather than only at end of life. This paper proposes future research directions including standardized reporting, open datasets, multiscale validation, machine learning integration, recyclable interface design, and multi-objective optimization to accelerate the adoption of FMLs in next-generation lightweight structures.]]>
