UK MoD considers alternative aircraft after fresh A400M delays

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Jane's that it may acquire additional C-17 Globemaster or C-130 Hercules transport aircraft after fresh delays relating to the EADS-led A400M programme were announced, while Germany called for "full clarity and transparency" from the European aerospace group.

The UK MoD is scheduled to acquire 24 A400Ms to replace its fleet of C-130Ks, which will leave service in 2012. Germany is set to receive 60 A400Ms to replace its fleet of C-160 Transall transport aircraft, which entered service in 1968.

However, the European aerospace company said on 9 January that deliveries of the aircraft will now occur three years after its first flight. This was initially scheduled for 2008; it has been repeatedly delayed and a new date is yet to be confirmed. EADS said the first flight will not be before the second half of 2009.

"We are naturally very concerned," a spokesperson for the MoD told Jane's on 12 January. "This is an area we are keeping a close eye on."

The spokesperson said the MoD is considering three options to close a potential capability gap. These are: leasing or procuring additional C-17s and C-130s; reallocating current assets; and extending the out-of-service date of the C-130K.

The spokesperson would not comment on the relative merits of each option. The UK's current inventory runs to 24 C-130J aircraft; 14 C-130Ks; and six C-17s.

Germany, for its part, told Jane's on 12 January that "it is up to EADS to establish full clarity and transparency within the A400M programme - the latest press release [from EADS dated 9 January] did not help at all in that respect".

Image: The latest delays announced by EADS relate to the A400M's TP400 engine. (Airbus Military) 273 of 639 words