Some intersting points coming out of this thread but at the end of the day as BEagle et al have pointed out it does go to show what a mockery the European Military Aviation Industry is in. My only real point in commenting is that perhaps those involve in Smart Procurement, or should we say Not-So-Smart Procurement may actually learn something from this, then again perhaps not.. .. .The whole issue of the A400M has been another blatent display by the current government, god-bless them, to continue to politicize procurement for the UK Armed Forces. Is it not time given the continued reductions in UK defence expenditure, compared to an in many other countries; notably Australia 10% each year over the coming next 5, that the government of the day purchased the right equipment for the job that is available and proven that it works very well indeed, i refer to the C17 incase you had not guessed where this was leading.. .. .You only have to look at the money the UK will lose at the end of the lease deal to understand the system today is as bad it has been for many years. Role on next March when sunnier climbs beckon!!!