Paris, France – 16 June 2026 – Airbus Defence and Space has formalized a contract with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), representing the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), to advance the A400M with new capabilities. This initiative, referred to as the “Parallel Mission System” (PMS), is focused on enhancing the French A400M’s functionality in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, remarked, “The A400M serves as a versatile asset for the armed forces that operate it, showcasing its potential to broaden its mission capabilities further.” He added that this development is set to transform the French Air and Space Force’s aircraft into a tactical command and control (C2) platform.
The PMS initiative will integrate a new mission system onboard, complemented by tactical situational awareness consoles positioned in the cargo hold to facilitate the monitoring of various sensors and the coordination of missions. Additionally, there is a focus on affixing an optronic sensor to the aircraft.
This advanced mission system aims to accommodate extra sensors and communication systems, enabling the management of drones and missiles deployed from the aircraft’s cargo area. Consequently, the crew will be equipped to orchestrate missions that involve collaboration with ground troops, helicopters—including the Tiger and Caracal H225M—and fighter jets in a unified combat framework.
Upon concluding the development phase, the initial PMS equipment will be installed on the first French A400M in 2027, with flight testing scheduled for 2028. Subsequently, several aircraft within the Air and Space Force fleet will be retrofitted with the PMS kit.
Moreover, Airbus Defence and Space is actively investigating the potential for additional enhancements to the A400M, including long-range jamming capabilities, a mother-ship function for launching drones and missiles in-flight, an increased payload capacity of 40 tonnes, and firefighting functionalities. These advancements will significantly boost the A400M’s operational capabilities, meeting the evolving demands of armed forces both now and in the future.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2026-06-15)
