Airbus Defence and Space, a unit of Airbus Group (OTC: EADSY), has signed a contract with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), acting on behalf of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), to develop new multi-mission capabilities for the French A400M military transport aircraft.

The upgrade program, referred to as the "Parallel Mission System" (PMS), is focused on equipping French A400M aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The development includes integrating a new mission system onboard the aircraft, installing tactical situational awareness consoles in the cargo hold, and adding an optronic sensor to the aircraft.

The new system is designed to manage drones and missiles launched from the cargo hold, and to integrate additional sensors and communication systems. The aircraft crew would be able to coordinate missions involving ground troops, helicopters, and fighter jets in a collaborative combat mode.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said: "With this development, the French Air and Space Force is acquiring an aircraft capable of becoming a tactical command and control tool in the air."

Under the current timeline, the new equipment is scheduled to be installed on the first French A400M in 2027, with flight testing planned for 2028. Additional aircraft in the French Air and Space Force fleet will subsequently be retrofitted with a PMS kit.

Airbus Defence and Space stated it is also exploring further A400M capability developments, including long-range jamming, drone and missile deployment, a payload capacity increase to 40 tonnes, and firefighting capabilities.