Originally Posted by
ORAC
. I have the seen the remarks about additional A-400s, is this defined in any of the latest reviews?
The is single reference to additional A400s on page 32 of the Defence Equipment Plan 2022 to 2035
Air will also retire the C130 Hercules to make way for the A400M Atlas force to increase its capacity and capability, operating alongside C-17 Globemaster and Voyager transport aircraft and tankers.
However, the simultaneously pubished NAO report
The Equipment Plan 2022 to 2032 (HC907 29 November 2022) states under
Capabilities not included in the 2022-2032 Plan -
Part-funded additional purchases
An option to purchase additional A400M aircraft was assessed as unaffordable. Air Command is developing an affordable choice to improve A400M availability. Some funding is held centrally.
However:
The latest Plan is based on financial data at 31 March 2022. The Plan does not therefore reflect the current pressures and uncertainty facing the Department, most notably the Ukraine conflict and external economic environment, which will affect future spending plans.
I assume Andy Netherwood had reliable source for the potential 6 additional A400s in his oral evidence to the HoC Defence Committee on 22 March 2023