Airbus plans to convert A400M military aircraft into a drone mothership

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The aviation group Airbus intends to prepare the A400M tactical transport aircraft for the requirements of modern warfare. This includes transporting drones to conflict zones from the aircraft and controlling them from the A400M. In addition, the A400M is to become a flying communications center to enable large data transmissions via broadband satellite connections, for example. The self-defense options are also to be expanded. Airbus is currently testing the various deployment options.

Communication center

Airbus clearly has big plans for the A400M. The payload capacities and the ability to remain in the air for long periods of time, for example through air-to-air refueling, also make the aircraft suitable for applications other than pure air transport. The focus is on its use as a fast and secure communications center in the air. Such airborne communication hubs are required for military missions to maintain communication over long distances.

The A400M could be used as part of the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) as part of the platforms of a joint Combat Cloud. However, the FCAS is not due to be completed and operational until 2040. The Combat Cloud can be used to transmit real-time information to operational commanders on the ground and in the air via broadband connections. This includes, for example, the transmission of live video images during military operations.

Until now, A400Ms have been equipped with narrowband, encrypted data communication systems that only have a limited data capacity. Airbus now wants to change this and enable secure broadband satellite connections via the A400M. It should also be possible to establish broadband communication connections via line of sight. This would allow the transport aircraft to become a hub of the FCAS and collect mission-critical data from the air and distribute it within the system.

Conversion to a drone mothership

Airbus is also testing the use of the A400M as a drone hub. Airbus had already tested its use as a drone mothership in 2022. Up to 50 small or twelve large drones can be transported to operational areas in the aircraft and launched and controlled from the A400M. The drones then support manned aircraft on their missions. It is planned that the transport aircraft will already be used as a drone mother ship before the year in which the FCAS is completed.

The A400M is also to receive additional self-defense systems. Around 23 of the 45 Bundeswehr aircraft delivered to date will be equipped with Direct Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) to defend against guided missiles with infrared seeker heads.

Airbus believes that the transport aircraft can also be used for electronic warfare. The aircraft's long range, together with its four powerful engines, enables it to fly longer jamming missions. There is enough space in the aircraft to install several antennas for the jamming systems. Enemy systems could thus be jammed from a safe distance from an A400M.

Firefighting add-on and upgrades

However, the use of the A400M is not limited to military missions. Airbus is developing a firefighting add-on to convert the aircraft into a firefighting aircraft. Structural changes to the aircraft are not necessary for this. The system is simply inserted into the aircraft and can also be removed again. Initial tests were recently carried out in France. It is possible to discharge up to 20,000 liters of extinguishing agent at once.

Airbus intends to keep the A400M up to date with upgrades over a longer period of time. A new upgrade is due to be released shortly. The "Block Upgrade 0" will then bring the aircraft up to the latest NATO standard. In addition, individual systems are to receive tactical improvements and a satellite-based landing system is to be added.

(olb)