RAF marks 10 years of A400M Atlas transport service

The Royal Air Force is celebrating a decade of operations with the A400M Atlas transport aircraft.

Since entering service, the Atlas has undertaken in a wide range of operations, including disaster relief in the Caribbean, transporting critical medical supplies and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evacuating personnel from conflict zones in Afghanistan and Sudan.

Most recently, the aircraft supported humanitarian efforts by delivering supplies via air drop to Gaza.

Group Captain Andrew McIntyre, Commander Air Wing at RAF Brize Norton, highlighted the aircraft’s versatility:

“The Atlas has consistently demonstrated superior strategic capabilities and versatility for the many challenging missions faced by the RAF. Its range, altitude, speed, payload, and tactical performance have proven invaluable in humanitarian missions over the past 10 years, including the Caribbean, Afghanistan, Sudan, and the Middle East, not to mention protecting Europe’s Eastern flank and life-saving rescue missions in the South Atlantic.”

Operated by four squadrons at RAF Brize Norton, the Atlas also provides critical services from its base in the Falkland Islands, including maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.

The A400M is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and a fully digital cockpit.

Its exceptional short-field performance allows it to operate from unpaved and semi-prepared strips, all achievable while using night vision goggles.

The A400M programme has generated significant economic benefits, with £1.36 billion spent with UK suppliers to date. The aircraft’s wings are manufactured in Filton, Bristol, where the 150th set of wings was recently delivered.

Michelle Ostergaard, DE&S A400M Team Lead, praised the multinational collaboration behind the aircraft:

“The A400M has been an excellent demonstration of multinational collaboration, with DE&S working in partnership with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and five other nations for the success of this European procurement project. Over the last 10 years, DE&S has provided support for the aircraft’s global operations and continues to work closely with OCCAR, nations, and industry to procure equipment for, and support services to, the A400M fleet.”