Airbus Defence and Space (DS) is positioning its A400M transport aircraft to meet a requirement in the Republic of Korea (RoK) Air Force, the company said in a media briefing on 16 October at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX).
Johan Pelissier, head of Asia-Pacific in Airbus DS, said the potential A400M programme had received impetus given the company’s deliveries of A330-200 Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft to the RoK Air Force. Following selection in 2015, Airbus DS has delivered three MRTTs – the most recent in August – with the fourth scheduled to arrive in December.
Airbus Defence and Space is touting its A400M to South Korea to meet an outstanding requirement for transport aircraft. (IHS Markit/Gareth Jennings)
“I definitely see an increasing interest from South Korea to meet their future requirements,” said Pelissier in reference to the A400M. He added, “At this point [in] time it is more business development discussions [between Airbus DS and the RoK Air Force]. There is no request for information (RFI). [But] we see a potential need for this aircraft in the coming few years, and the RoK Air Force is interested to learn more about what the A400M can do.”
Jane’s has previously reported that the RoKAF has an outstanding requirement for strategic airlift capability. Pelissier said that while the scope of the potential procurement had not been detailed by South Korea, the requirement, given South Korea’s expansive operations and strategic needs, could be expected to cover up to eight aircraft.
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