Airbus A400M Secures New Orders; Thales Adds Satcom Capability

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Airbus and OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) reached a new agreement with A400M launch nations France and Spain, securing future production of the military airlifter. Under the deal, France will advance delivery of four A400Ms and Spain three, ensuring long-term stability for the program. Airbus says the agreement aims to improve operational costs and accelerate development of new capabilities.

The A400M is a multi-role military transport aircraft capable of carrying heavy and outsized loads, delivering cargo to remote and unpaved airstrips, and supporting both military and humanitarian missions. OCCAR, which manages collaborative European defense programs, oversees the A400M’s development across its six member nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

With the new commitment, Airbus plans to enhance the A400M’s operational efficiency through maintenance optimization and faster, cost-effective upgrades. Planned advancements include standoff jamming, increased payload capacity to 40 tonnes, mothership capability for remote carriers, and firefighting options—broadening the aircraft’s mission profile to meet evolving global requirements.

Thales has also expanded its role in the program, signing a contract to provide its AVIATOR 700S satcom system for the A400M. This advanced satellite communication system enhances communications, navigation, and surveillance capabilities, while delivering real-time flight and performance data to the cockpit. The system reduces pilot workload, increases operational efficiency, and supports secure connectivity for military and government missions.

Thales already supplies multiple systems for the A400M, including avionics suites, head-up displays, flight control units, tactical navigation systems, and communication antennas.

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