Airbus is set to significantly enhance the capabilities of its A400M Atlas transport aircraft by increasing its certified payload capacity from 37 tonnes to 40 tonnes. This crucial three-tonne upgrade aims to position the A400M firmly as a “heavy-medium” transport aircraft, vastly expanding its operational utility across a wider spectrum of civilian and military missions without compromising fuel reserves, range, or crew safety.
This enhancement will be achieved through the integration of new mission kits and structural reinforcements, which will be seamlessly implemented via existing production processes and certification pathways. Airbus will seek regulatory approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), ensuring the upgrade applies to both current and future aircraft following rigorous internal assessments and updated certification tests.
The increased payload capacity unlocks a suite of new mission possibilities for the A400M. It will enable the aircraft to serve as a more effective standoff-jamming electronic warfare variant, carrying heavier electromagnetic interference equipment. Furthermore, it will bolster its role as a potential UAV mothership, allowing the transport, in-flight launch, and recovery of additional unmanned systems for manned-unmanned teaming operations. Humanitarian efforts will benefit from an enhanced aerial firefighting version, capable of carrying approximately three cubic meters more retardant per sortie.
Beyond these, the upgrade supports the A400M’s evolution into a more capable aerial refueling tanker, allowing it to transport two additional Cargo Hold Tanks, each weighing 5,750 kg, thereby serving more receiver aircraft per flight. It will also facilitate its use as a broadband SATCOM and communications relay platform with larger high-throughput equipment. Notably, the enhancement could also pave the way for a missile-capable strike variant, allowing the direct deployment of guided bombs or short-range missiles.
This strategic move by Airbus aims to maintain the A400M’s competitiveness against rival platforms in the 30–50 tonne payload class while reinforcing its unique ability to operate on shorter and softer runways—a key logistical advantage over larger jet-powered aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III. The upgrade is also expected to bolster export campaigns in new markets such as India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program and countries with challenging infrastructure, building on existing procurements by nations like Indonesia and Kazakhstan.