Airbus Defence and Space has signed a contract with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), acting on behalf of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), to develop new capabilities for the A400M. The upgrades, referred to as the Parallel Mission System (PMS), aim to equip the French A400M fleet with multi-mission capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The development focuses on integrating a new onboard mission system and tactical situational-awareness consoles into the cargo hold. These will enable crews to monitor multiple sensors and coordinate complex operations more effectively. The programme also includes integrating an optronic sensor to enhance operational visibility.
The new mission system is designed to support additional sensors and communication systems, while also enabling the management of drones and missiles deployed from the aircraft. This will allow the A400M to serve as an airborne command-and-control (C2) node, coordinating missions involving ground forces, helicopters such as the Tiger and the Caracal H225M, and fighter aircraft in a collaborative combat environment.
Following the development phase, the first upgraded French A400M is expected to be equipped in 2027, with flight testing scheduled for 2028. Additional aircraft in the fleet will subsequently be retrofitted with the PMS kit.
Airbus Defence and Space is also exploring further enhancements for the A400M, including long-range jamming capabilities, deployment of drones and missiles in a mother-ship role, increased payload capacity of up to 40 tonnes, and firefighting capabilities. These developments are intended to expand the aircraft’s operational flexibility and address evolving mission requirements of modern armed forces.
