SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus Defence is revamping its campaign for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, aiming to convince the IAF of the A400M’s operational efficiency and affordability.
Airbus has offered its A400M Atlas military transport aircraft in response to the IAF’s tender for 60 new transport planes. The company acknowledges earlier challenges related to the A400M’s service introduction, which resulted in a “reputation” for availability issues. However, Airbus emphasizes that these concerns are a thing of the past. “That is behind us,” declared Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, in a recent media statement. “Now the aircraft is there, it does the job, and it does many jobs.”
Dumont further elaborated on Airbus’ efforts to reduce operating costs and minimize downtime for the A400M. This focus on cost-effectiveness is crucial in today’s competitive landscape.
The IAF will have a unique opportunity to witness the A400M firsthand during the upcoming multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024. As part of the German Air Force delegation, the A400M will be on display, allowing the IAF to observe its capabilities.
Previously, reports by idrw.org suggested the IAF was impressed by the A400M’s cargo-carrying capacity – the highest among the three contenders vying for the MTA contract. However, the IAF’s tender specifies a requirement for an aircraft within the 18-30 tonne cargo capacity range, which the A400M slightly exceeds with its 37-tonne payload.
The IAF’s decision regarding the MTA program will be a significant one, impacting India’s strategic airlift capabilities. Airbus’ renewed focus on operational efficiency and affordability is a strategic move in its bid to secure this lucrative contract.
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