Overview
- Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to order 16 new Airbus A400M transports to swap out 16 existing machines that lack tactical defensive systems.
- The procurement is not final because formal approval and budget clearance from the Deutscher Bundestag are required before the multi‑billion‑euro deal can proceed.
- Pistorius described talks with Airbus as very positive and said older Bundeswehr A400Ms would be offered for sale to partner countries once replacements arrive.
- The A400M can lift about 37 tonnes and fly roughly 6,300 kilometres and is used by the Bundeswehr for air‑to‑air refuelling, heavy lift, medical evacuation, firefighting and humanitarian missions.
- The plan links defence needs with industrial policy: parts of the A400M are built in Bremen and the swap would boost tactical capability for operations while creating resale and work opportunities for partners.