Airbus A400M Military Capabilities Continuously Expanding

Reference News Network reported on October 3 According to a report from the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on September 29, the plan for the German Federal Armed Forces to order 16 new A400M military transport aircraft is gradually progressing. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated on the 29th that they are currently considering "very specifically" replacing the existing logistical transport aircraft with the new tactical transport aircraft and have had "very smooth" discussions with the manufacturer Airbus regarding this.

The new A400M will meet the latest tactical standards, with functions that go beyond logistical transport, including the installation of infrared countermeasures for defense against enemy missiles.

According to Airbus, the A400M, equipped with four engines, combines the functions of both tactical and strategic transport aircraft. This model can land heavy equipment on short and unpaved temporary runways, fly at low altitudes, and deliver up to 116 paratroopers or 25 tons of cargo in the target area. This summer, the A400M was used for the first time as a firefighting aircraft in France, gaining widespread attention. Airbus developed a detachable firefighting module specifically for this mission.

The military capabilities of the A400M will also be further expanded. For example, Airbus announced months ago that it is working on modifying this model into a carrier and launch system for cruise missiles and drones. Currently, the A400M is capable of conducting air-to-air refueling for other aircraft.

This order from the German Federal Armed Forces will send an important signal to Airbus. Including other agreements, the total order amount for the new A400M is expected to be around 3.6 billion euros, with delivery expected between 2029 and 2032. The final assembly of the A400M will take place in Seville, Spain, while the production process will be completed through multinational collaboration.

Airbus is also in talks with other potential customers, such as Italy. It is reported that the Italian Air Force plans to procure up to 14 of this type of aircraft to replace the older C-130J transport aircraft produced by the American company Lockheed Martin. Poland, Denmark, and countries in the Middle East have also shown interest in this military transport aircraft, one of the original intentions for developing this model was to reduce dependence on American-made equipment. (Translated by Zhong Sirui)