Tuesday 9 May 2017

German Defence Ministry warned that technical challenges and contractual wrangling with Airbus could impair full operational use of A400M


After 14 years, Airbus A400M 'not fully ready'

  • Published: 9/05/2017 at 01:12 AM
  • Online news:
BERLIN - A confidential report by the German Defence Ministry has warned that technical challenges and contractual wrangling with Airbus could impair full operational use of Europe's A400M military transport plane.

The A400M, Europe's largest defence project, was ordered in 2003 to give Europe an independent military transport capability but costs have since spiralled and Airbus has warned of "risks ahead" for the program.

"Given the under-financing of the program and the expected demands for delay-related damages, Airbus will not make the needed investments to carry out required improvements," said the ministry report seen by Reuters on Monday. "The operational use of the plane is therefore in jeopardy."

The report said Airbus could ask for delays of 12-18 months to resolve remaining issues, such as defensive measures and the ability to deploy paratroopers, as part of its latest negotiations with seven NATO countries involved in the 20 billion euro (757 billion baht; $21.9 billion) project.


That means that Germany could face a capability gap in 2021 when its current transport plane, the C-160 Transall, is due to be retired from service, the report said........Read entire post: bangkokpost.com


Related post:


A400M Military Transport: Details

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