Paris, June 21 - During the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, on June 19, 2025, the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) officially declared Full Operational Capability (FOC) for its fleet of Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s airlift capabilities. This announcement underscores the maturity of the A400M program in France, which now operates a fleet of 24 aircraft, with an additional 26 on order to be delivered by 2030. The achievement of FOC signifies that the A400M fleet, including its aircraft, crews, maintenance systems, and training programs, is fully prepared to undertake the wide range of missions for which it was designed, from tactical airlift to strategic transport and aerial refueling.
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The A400M, a four-engine turboprop airlifter developed by Airbus, is a cornerstone of European defense autonomy, designed to meet the diverse needs of modern military operations. Capable of carrying up to 37 tons (with plans to increase this to 40 tons through future upgrades), the aircraft can operate from short, unprepared runways, making it ideal for deployments in challenging environments. Over the past decade, the French A400M fleet has proven its versatility, conducting missions ranging from humanitarian aid deliveries to operations in conflict zones. The aircraft’s ability to perform mid-air refueling, transport heavy equipment, and support special operations has made it a vital asset for France’s global military engagements.
The declaration of FOC comes as part of a broader commitment to enhancing the A400M’s capabilities. In October 2024, Airbus signed a contract with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), which oversees the A400M program for its launch nations, including France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This agreement, known as the Block 0 upgrade, focuses on improving flight management systems, enhancing tactical information capabilities, and implementing a satellite-based landing system. These upgrades are expected to bolster the aircraft’s operational efficiency and adaptability. Additionally, Airbus is exploring innovative roles for the A400M, such as serving as a mothership for launching remote carrier drones, a capability demonstrated in a 2022 test with a modified Do-DT25 drone. Other planned enhancements include a roll-on/roll-off firefighting payload and electronic warfare systems, potentially transforming the A400M into a multirole platform capable of stand-off jamming and supporting complex combat operations.
France’s commitment to the A400M program extends beyond operational readiness. At the Paris Air Show, France and Spain signed a letter of intent to accelerate the delivery of four and three A400M aircraft, respectively, ensuring the production line in Seville, Spain, remains active until at least 2028. This agreement not only secures the program’s future but also supports cost optimization through improved maintenance and efficiency measures. With 131 of the 178 ordered A400Ms delivered across partner nations, the program continues to gain momentum, with potential export opportunities, such as to the United Arab Emirates, further enhancing its global footprint. The French Air and Space Force’s achievement of FOC highlights the A400M’s critical role in modernizing air transport and reinforcing Europe’s strategic mobility.