A400M alternatives?
 

"The Germans" don´t want to accept the higher price of the A400M. No wonder by the too large order of 60. However, they should think about alternatives. I think the C-27J Spartan would be the right sized aircraft for the C-160 Transall replacement. The CASA aircraft could also be good for that job.

It was the vacillating German order which delayed the whole project in the first place. So engineers were then redeployed to the A380. If I recall correctly, the size of the German order was intended to give them a commanding position within Euroflag......

The aircraft has been designed to a European Staff Requirement. The C-27J would not meet any A400M specification requirements.

When work re-commenced on the A400M, there was a lot of catching up to be done before the engine software issues became a further factor.

The Germans need to take another look at the size of their order. A 25% reduced number of aircraft would still be insufficient if the current price goes up by 25% - because that reported 25% increase is based on existing order numbers.

It really would be sad to see the A400M be cancelled