France has contracted Airbus Defence and Space to equip the A400M military transport aircraft with new multi-mission capability, enabling command-and-control of air and ground assets and supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Under the Parallel Mission System (PMS) upgrades, a new mission system will be installed in the cargo hold to manage remotely deployed effectors, while tactical situational awareness consoles will enable operators to monitor sensor data and coordinate missions.
According to Airbus, the new mission system is designed to integrate additional sensors and communications systems. This builds on earlier plans to upgrade the A400M to a high-bandwidth communications hub, enabling it to link manned and unmanned systems across domains and support electronic warfare and the deployment of remote carriers.
Previously, the A400M relied on narrowband communications for voice and basic data, limiting cross-domain information sharing.
The PMS upgrades also include an optronic sensor to enhance ISR capabilities.
“The A400M is a true Swiss Army knife for the armed forces that use it. It has the capabilities and potential to continue expanding the scope of its missions,” Executive Vice President of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space Jean-Brice Dumont said.
“With this development, the French Air and Space Force is acquiring an aircraft capable of becoming a tactical command and control tool in the air.”
Timeline
The PMS kit will be installed on the first French A400M in 2027 and flight-tested in 2028 before being rolled out across the French Air and Space Force fleet.
Airbus is also exploring additional A400M capabilities, including long-range jamming, a mothership role for the in-flight deployment of drones and missiles, increased payload capacity of up to 40 tonnes, and firefighting operations, further broadening the aircraft’s mission set to meet evolving operational requirements.
France received its first A400M in 2013 and currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft.
Designed for both tactical and strategic missions, it is powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines, each producing 11,000 horsepower. It can carry up to 37 tonnes (81,600 pounds) of payload, fly up to 8,700 kilometres (5,400 miles), and operate from short, unprepared runways.
