The A400M delays have left L'Armée de l'Air short of tactical airlift. They don't need to buy C17, they're doing that A400 and the C130s and 160s are in need of a new bucket. That said, their tac insertion requirements in Africa are seen as better served by 130 than A400.
We did have an excellent low level fly by over the house by a Transall this afternoon. Looking forward to seeing a low lever A400M over here one day.