Airbus showcased a range of announcements and defense program updates at Le Bourget, focusing on fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
A400M Production Secured with Accelerated Acquisition
Spain and France have agreed to accelerate the acquisition of the A400M military transporter. The agreement between Airbus, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, and launch nations aims to secure production, improve operational costs, and develop new capabilities. Paris will expedite deliveries of four aircraft, while Madrid will do the same for three. The move will sustain production at a rate of eight aircraft per year, with plans to increase the transporter’s payload by 40 tons.
A330 MRTT+ Program Nears Launch Customer Order
Airbus disclosed progress on the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport+ (MRTT+) program and is close to securing an order from a launch customer. First delivery of the new tanker is planned by the end of 2028, and Airbus is considering increasing production rates to transition from the original MRTT. The MRTT+ program, based on the A330-800neo commercial airliner, offers less fuel consumption and greater range compared to the in-service A330-200 MRTT.
Airbus and Leonardo Collaborate on NH90 Block 2 Upgrade
Airbus and Italian manufacturer Leonardo announced a collaboration on an NH90 Block 2 multirole rotorcraft upgrade architecture study. The move follows a request from the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), and the Block 2 upgrade will cover key structural improvements, modular avionics, improved maintenance and performance, and new capabilities in collaborative combat, connectivity, and crewed-uncrewed teaming. A contract with NAHEMA is expected by the end of the year.
Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming with Singapore
Airbus Helicopters and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency signed a crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities agreement. The partnership aims to explore how crewed-uncrewed teaming can enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes through a flight demonstration. Airbus’s HTeaming system will be equipped on the Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M helicopter, enabling it to control the Flexrotor drone.
VSR700 Naval Platform Framework Agreement Signed
Airbus signed a VSR700 naval platform framework agreement with the French Minister of Armed Forces and Naval Group, paving the way for future acquisition of the aircraft by the French Navy under the SDAM program. The agreement also creates a path for cooperation with other nations. France has committed to acquiring 10 SDAM aircraft by the end of the decade and at least 15 by 2035. Airbus will continue testing the VSR700 to support the French Navy before it starts operations in 2027, fitted with radar, electro-optical equipment, and an automatic identification system receiver.
SIRTAP Prototype Nears First Flight
Airbus shared that its first SIRTAP prototype tactical UAS has finished assembly and is ready to start a ground test campaign. The manufacturer plans to meet a first flight milestone by the end of 2025. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has committed to acquiring nine SIRTAP systems.
Airbus and Quantum Systems Collaborate on Aerial Reconnaissance
Airbus and Germany’s Quantum Systems UAS manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost „Europe’s sovereignty” through developing work on an aerial reconnaissance ecosystem. The collaboration aims to deploy resilient, interoperable, and ready-to-use airborne surveillance and information systems.
