France, Spain to Procure 7 A400M Aircraft by 2028

France and Spain signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Airbus and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to procure seven A400M Atlas military transport aircraft by 2028, ensuring continued production of the aircraft through the end of that year.

The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show, with France and Spain confirming their commitment to the A400M program by advancing planned deliveries. Spain will receive three aircraft in 2028, while France is scheduled to receive four between 2028 and 2029.

According to France’s Ministry of Armed Forces, the new LOI supports the sustainability of the A400M production line and bolsters efforts to promote export sales. France has already received 24 of its 50 ordered A400M aircraft, with the 25th expected by the end of 2025. Spain’s fleet is projected to reach 20 aircraft by 2028, out of a total order of 27 to be completed before the end of 2030.

The A400M Atlas, produced by Airbus, is a tactical transport aircraft designed for strategic reach and versatility. It supports operations in austere environments, enabling cargo and personnel drops through both axial and lateral exits. The aircraft is capable of blind-area landings and operating in poor weather conditions.

The A400M program is managed through OCCAR in cooperation with Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and Spain. It supports over 10,000 direct jobs across Europe, including 2,400 in France. Over 80 French companies, many of them small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), contribute to the production chain.

Officials from both France and Spain emphasized that the updated delivery schedule contributes to maintaining industrial momentum and European defense capabilities.