Airbus to develop Parallel Mission System for French Air and Space Force aircraft

PARIS, FRANCE – Airbus Defence and Space has signed a contract with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), acting on behalf of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), to develop new operational capabilities for the A400M military transport aircraft. The enhancements, known as the Parallel Mission System (PMS), are intended to provide French A400M aircraft with expanded intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

MULTI-MISSION ENHANCEMENTS

The Parallel Mission System will introduce a new onboard mission system together with tactical situational awareness consoles installed in the aircraft’s cargo hold. These consoles will enable crews to monitor multiple sensors and coordinate missions while an optronic sensor will also be integrated into the aircraft.

According to Airbus Defence and Space, the system is designed to support the integration of additional sensors and communications systems, while also enabling the management of drones and missiles launched from the aircraft’s cargo hold.

EXPANDING OPERATIONAL ROLES

The upgraded A400M will be capable of supporting collaborative combat operations by coordinating missions involving ground forces, helicopters—including the Tiger and Caracal H225M—and fighter aircraft. Airbus said the developments will allow the aircraft to serve as a tactical airborne command and control (C2) platform in addition to its existing transport role.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, described the A400M as a “Swiss Army knife” for armed forces, highlighting its potential to continue expanding the range of missions it can perform.

FIRST INSTALLATION PLANNED FOR 2027

Following the development phase, the first French A400M will receive the new equipment in 2027, with flight testing scheduled for 2028. Airbus said additional aircraft within the French Air and Space Force fleet will subsequently be retrofitted with the Parallel Mission System.

The company is also studying further enhancements for the A400M, including long-range jamming capabilities, a “mother ship” role for the airborne deployment of drones and missiles, an increase in payload capacity to 40 tonnes, and firefighting capabilities. These developments are intended to further broaden the aircraft’s operational flexibility to meet future military requirements.