Airbus has entered into two important agreements with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), which oversees the A400M program on behalf of several European nations, including Germany, France, the UK, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg. These contracts, known as the Global Support Services (GSS3) and Block Upgrade 0, aim to enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities.
Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the A400M’s crucial role in ensuring national sovereignty and strategic autonomy for European nations. He noted that recent global operations, such as the Kabul airlift and the Pacific Skies exercise, have underscored the importance of interoperability among partner nations. The new agreements are designed to address this growing need, enabling users to realize substantial cost savings while maintaining high service and performance standards.
Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR-EA, stressed the importance of a strong support framework for the A400M, a sophisticated military aircraft. The GSS3 contract exemplifies the commitment of A400M user nations to operate the aircraft effectively in demanding environments, leveraging its range, payload capacity, and versatility to execute a wide array of missions.
The Global Support Services contract replaces the previous agreement established in 2019 and encompasses all nations utilizing the A400M. It offers a comprehensive suite of tailored services from Airbus, including ground tools, spare parts delivery, and technical support. This new arrangement facilitates collaboration between the industry and operators, allowing for innovative approaches to service provision.
The GSS3 contract is structured to optimize resource sharing and include specific national requirements, establishing a performance-based partnership. This framework aims to enhance fleet availability while minimizing ownership costs through clear performance indicators.
In addition to the GSS3, the agreement includes the Block Upgrade 0 contract, marking the first enhancement of the A400M’s capabilities since the original launch contract. This upgrade will refine critical systems, such as flight management, ensuring compliance with the latest NATO standards. Enhanced capabilities will include Tactical Information improvements, a Satellite-based Landing System, Narrow Band SATCOM, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Block Upgrade 0 initiative is comprehensive, covering development, certification, implementation, and in-service support for these enhancements. Initial work has begun and is projected to conclude by the end of 2026, with further phases extending through the decade. These enhancements will not only bolster the A400M’s tactical and strategic operations but also improve overall performance and reduce crew workload, reflecting a decade of operational maturity in both combat and humanitarian missions.
