The projected increase would give commanders 30% more fully mission-capable aircraft each day to meet operational demands. The Atlas supports troop transport, global force projection, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and NATO commitments.
Airbus will deliver the expanded support package through its UK Support Centre at RAF Brize Norton. The extension also sustains more than 350 highly skilled jobs across the UK.
The RAF said negotiations secured broader support at a reduced overall cost. Enhanced services and support arrangements are intended to improve fleet resilience, supportability and operational performance.
“Agreeing this extension with Airbus after just eight weeks of intense negotiations shows what can be achieved when MOD and industry work closely together towards a shared goal,” said Air Commodore Si Young, Head Air Mobility NAD Group. “This contract will deliver continued improvements in A400M fleet availability, building on the growth that we have delivered over recent years and giving our Armed Forces the capability they need while offering excellent value for money to taxpayers, supporting a platform that is at the heart of the RAF’s operations now and into the future.”
The A400M In-Service Support Delivery Team within the NAD Group at RAF Brize Norton led the negotiations. It worked with colleagues across Defence, the RAF, Airbus and other industry partners to agree the extension.
RAF Brize Norton is home to the RAF’s Air Mobility Force and Airbus’ UK A400M Support Centre. The agreement continues their joint role in maintaining the Atlas fleet for the UK’s global defence commitments.
