I just cannot believe the hassle of developing the A400M, including flight test, developmental delay, New IPT setup, new Engineering setup, new logistics setup, new training will be worth minimal future capability given.
Lets face facts. A400 moves crap from point A to Point B. Fres is now looking decidedly unlikely; we manage what we do well with the 2 types we have.
Dont get me wrong, in a world of unlimited budgets and less op pressure, I would be fully behind A400M and if it comes into UK service, would love the opportunity to fly it. But unfortunately, being a realist, I see that is not the case.
We need tough decisions. Money is most definately going to be a finite resource next year onwards for the military, we shouldnt waste what little we will have.