DefenseAirbus pitches higher-payload A400M to Saudi Arabia
Airbus said it is confident the A400M Atlas transport aircraft will eventually secure an order from the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), highlighting a planned increase in maximum payload capacity as a central element of its offer.
Speaking at the World Defense Show near Riyadh, A400M program manager Gerd Weber said the aircraft’s approved tactical payload will rise to 40 tonnes from the current 37 tonnes under a new configuration known as the “super logistic high weight” variant, according to Flight Global.
The enhancement, which Airbus aims to have ready by 2028-2029, will be achieved through software updates without hardware modifications. According to the company, the increased payload would allow the A400M to transport heavy military equipment, including main battle tanks and elements of the Patriot air-defense missile system.
Weber said payload capacity is a key requirement for Saudi Arabia and argued that few competitors can meet the 40-tonne threshold. The Lockheed Martin C-130J and Embraer C-390, both active in the medium airlift market, offer lower maximum cargo capacities.
Airbus is also offering a modular ISO container-type VIP cabin that can be installed in the cargo hold. The company says the configuration would complement the RSAF’s Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet, of which Saudi Arabia currently operates six aircraft, with four more on order.
On the sidelines of the show, Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) covering cooperation on the A330 MRTT and potential future projects. Airbus indicated that an A400M deal could include industrial participation beyond maintenance, repair and overhaul, potentially extending to elements of primary production.
Airbus has delivered 137 A400M aircraft to 10 countries against total orders for 178 units. Germany operates the largest fleet, with 52 aircraft delivered out of an expected 53. New export customers in recent years include Indonesia and Kazakhstan.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, Airbus identified potential export opportunities in the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Poland.
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