Seville, Spain – 16 April 2026 – A formal delivery ceremony took place today in
Seville to mark the handover of MSN147, the 53rd Airbus A400M
aircraft delivered to Germany and the final aircraft of the country’s
current order under the OCCAR-managed A400M Programme.
The ceremony brought together senior
representatives from OCCAR, the German Air Force, and industry,
underlining the close partnership that has been central to the success of one
of Europe’s largest multinational defence programmes.
Among the distinguished attendees were Mr.
Joachim Sucker, OCCAR-EA Director, and Mr. Philippe Bourgault, A400M
Programme Manager at OCCAR, alongside Lieutenant General Günter Katz,
Commanding General of the German Air Force Forces Command, and Brigadier
General Angermeyer, Head of CAMO Bw. Industry was represented by Mr.
Gerd Weber, Head of the A400M Programme at Airbus Military.
Their presence highlighted the
strategic importance of the A400M Programme for Germany and the wider
multinational community. For almost two decades, OCCAR has managed the A400M
Programme on behalf of its participating states: Belgium, France, Germany,
Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
In a symbolic gesture underscoring the
close cooperation between OCCAR and the German Air Force, the OCCAR Director
travelled to Seville for the ceremony on board an A400M, with Lieutenant
General Katz personally acting as aircraft commander for the flight.
The delivery of MSN147 marks a
significant milestone for the Programme. Beyond completing Germany’s current
acquisition, it reflects the sustained success of a highly complex
multinational endeavour—one that has successfully aligned diverse national
requirements, industrial partners, and operational needs within a single
contractual framework.
In his address, the OCCAR Director
reaffirmed the organisation’s central role as a contract management body acting
on behalf of participating nations. He emphasised the importance of clearly
defined requirements, disciplined contractual execution, and the consistent
achievement of performance, cost, and schedule objectives—particularly in
challenging programme environments.
Since its maiden flight in 2009,
the A400M has matured into one of the world’s most capable military transport
aircraft. Continuous capability enhancements—including air-to-air refuelling,
low-level flight, and operations from austere airfields—have
ensured that the aircraft meets demanding and evolving operational
requirements.
This ongoing evolution remains a key
focus of OCCAR’s activities, notably through configuration control and
retrofit programmes, which ensure that the operational fleet remains
aligned with the latest standards.
Looking ahead, OCCAR will continue to
ensure the effective management of the A400M Programme, supporting fleet
sustainment, capability development, and the long-term delivery of
value to participating nations.
The A400M Programme stands as a prime
example of successful European defence cooperation, demonstrating what
can be achieved through trust, disciplined management, and a shared strategic
vision.