A400M a major breakthrough for Europe
Paris, le 19 juin 2001
EADS CEOs Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich hailed the agreement for European procurement of the A400M military aircraft as a major breakthrough in building an integrated European defence market.
"Never before have nine European nations jointly defined their procurement needs", Camus and Hertrich noted. "This type of joint European procurement is the most efficient, cost-effective way for European nations to modernise their armed forces. It also boosts the process of industrial integration in Europe, permitting us to compete on an equal basis with U.S. industry."
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)was signed on Tuesday at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget. The number of aircraft per nation to be purchased is: Belgium 8, France 50, Germany 73, Spain 27, Turkey 10, the United Kingdom 25, Italy 16 and Portugal 3. The A400M partner nations agreed to act jointly through OCCAR (Joint Organization for Cooperation on Armament Material) in purchasing their fleets.
"The A400M is the most modern and competitive solution to European tactical transport aircraft needs and complies with the requirements of the participating nations", Camus and Hertrich continued.
Alberto Fernandez, Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division said: "We will now continue with the negotiations of the industrial contract with OCCAR and the participating nations. We will also pursue the necessary industrial preparations in order to guarantee the fulfilment program. Our successful Airbus program serves as a model both in technology and in managing the project."
The launch order will be for 212 aircraft. The A400M is a modern multi-role military airlifter which will replace the ageing European fleets of C-130 and C-160 aircraft. Powered by four high-speed turboprop engines, it will have a much larger payload than the aircraft it will replace.
