Airbus Proposes A400M Atlas Capable Of Reshaping India’s Strategic Airlift Capabilities

Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer globally, responds to the Indian Air Force’s Request for Information (RFI) for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) with the A400M Atlas. Positioned between the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in size, the A400M Atlas boasts unparalleled carrying capacity.

This aircraft can transport twice the weight of a C-130 and provides an extra 10 tons of payload capacity compared to the Embraer C-390M, presenting India with a robust and versatile MTA solution. Capable of transporting up to 37 metric tons of cargo over distances exceeding 3700 kilometres, the A400M Atlas stands out for its ability to carry oversized cargo, including vehicles and helicopters that would challenge earlier-generation tactical airlifters.

Airbus’s Bold Pitch: A400M Atlas as an IL-76 Replacement
In a bold move, Airbus has positioned the A400M Atlas not merely as a replacement for the An-32 but as a potential replacement for the IL-76, a transport aircraft capable of handling payloads exceeding 40 tons. Airbus’s audacious approach has prompted the Indian Air Force to initiate feasibility studies to comprehensively evaluate the A400M’s suitability for their evolving requirements.