Spain to Cancel Order for A400M Airlifters: Report

Spain appears to be in two minds over buying remainder of its 27-strong order for Airbus A400M transport planes.

European defense sources told Reuters that Madrid was considering axing the contract for approximately 13 more A400Ms, after its Air Force indicated it did not need the extra planes.

Spain had signed up for 27 A400Ms, and was responsible for the assembly of the aircraft on behalf of all buyers.

The Spanish government and Airbus declined to comment on the matter. The sources added that the two parties are in talks about how to soften the impact of the partial A400M order cancellation. Last year, Madrid bought additional 20 Eurofighter jets, for which Airbus is the industrial partner in Spain and Germany.