Paris, 26 June 2025 – Airbus Defence and Space has announced the successful conclusion of a series of test drops and demonstrations for its A400M firefighting demonstrator kit in Nîmes-Garons, France.
The goal of this test campaign was to independently evaluate the effectiveness of the A400M firefighting kit. The assessments were carried out by the Entente-Valabre’s Test and Research Centre (CEREN), a French public institution that is recognized by the Ministry of the Interior for evaluating forest firefighting equipment and training personnel both in France and internationally.
Conducted at the end of April 2025, the test campaign saw the A400M executing multiple drops across a designated airfield section. These rigorous cup grid tests enabled CEREN to meticulously assess the system’s performance, particularly the accurate distribution and concentration of retardant upon reaching the ground. During the test drops, the aircraft flew at altitudes below 30 meters (98 feet) and speeds of approximately 230 km/h (125 knots).
The A400M Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) firefighting kit presents unique operational advantages that are currently unmatched in the market. Its innovative roll-on/roll-off design does not require any permanent modifications to the aircraft, enabling any A400M in a fleet to swiftly adapt for firefighting missions with minimal notice. The system, located in the cargo hold, is capable of discharging up to 20,000 liters of water or retardant by gravity through the rear ramp. Remarkably, these tanks can be refilled in under 10 minutes using standard ground pumps. Additionally, the A400M’s capacity to take off and land on short, unpaved runways significantly improves flexibility, allowing operations from a variety of air bases and airfields close to fire zones. Its design also enhances maneuverability and facilitates day and night operations under the latest safety standards.
“Following initial tests conducted in Spain, the successful outcome of these tests in Nîmes marks a significant advancement in our effort to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for firefighting capabilities. The A400M’s exceptional versatility, paired with the rapid deployment features of this kit, provides a transformative asset that complements existing technologies and ground, air, and space platforms,” stated Jo Müller, Head of Sustainability and Communications at Airbus Defence and Space.
Airbus Defence and Space continues to advance its comprehensive array of aerial firefighting solutions that cater to both indirect and direct fire attack missions, aligning with its commitment to decarbonization and addressing the increasing global challenge of wildfires.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2025-06-24)
