Airbus Delivers Second A400M Aircraft To Malaysian Air Force

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) received its second of four Airbus A400M aircraft in a ceremony at the Air Force base in Subang today.

Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the aircraft would be placed at a newly built hangar, specifically for the A400M aircrafts. "The 22nd Squadron’s new hangar is expected to store the four A400M aircrafts. It is the first hangar built for the A400Ms in Asia and the biggest in the world," he was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.  

The RMAF previously received its first of four A400M military transport aircraft on March 17, 2015 during the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2015.

RMAF is expected to receive the two remaining aircrafts are in April and November and are scheduled to be operated by RMAF's 22 Squadron.

A400M is designated as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities as it can be adapted to perform long-range cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, aerial refuelling, and electronic surveillance missions. Compared to the RMAF's existing Hercules C130H and CN235, the aircraft can carry twice the load over intercontinental distances at speeds comparable to a jet aircraft. It can also land on short or unprepared airstrips close to the scene o af military or humanitarian operation.