Why would France spend huge amounts of money to turn the A400 into an aerial tanker capable of in-flight refueling for just a couple helicopters, when there is an existing option in the C-130?
Airbus Targets Helo Refueling, Paratrooper Airdrops for A400M
The US had a need to ferry helos over long distances, so the C-130 tanker with its wing mounted hose/drogue system was developed.