The first A-400M aircraft designed for the Belgian Air Force, is ready for testing

Belgium defense ministry

The first A-400M aircraft designed for the Belgian Air Force, is ready for testing

BRUSSELS, (BM) – According to the Ministry of Defense of Belgium, the first A-400M military transport aircraft ordered for the country’s air force will soon make its first test flight, learned BulgarianMilitary.com.

In recent weeks, the aircraft with the serial number MSN106 has been repainted in the official colors of the Belgian Air Force, received the logo of the 15th transport wing and tail number CT-02. It is assumed that the aircraft will make its first test flight in Spanish airspace in the coming days after the completion of ground tests.

According to sources, Belgium, among the seven countries that are part of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation [OCCAR], in December 2001 signed an agreement on the development and supply of seven military transport aircraft A- 400M. They are designed to replace those in service since the early 1970s C-130 Hercules aircraft.

The procurement and subsequent operation of the A-400M Belgian aircraft is being implemented jointly with the Luxembourg aircraft, which ordered one aircraft.

Luxembourg is expected to receive its A-400M in the second quarter of 2020. The Belgian Air Force will deliver the first aircraft a bit later. All ordered A-400M will be delivered to the Belgian and Luxembourg Air Force in the period 2020-2023. They will be part of the 20th squadron of the 15th transport wing of the Belgian Air Force, stationed at the Melsbrek airbase.

A400M Military Transport: Details