Airbus Defence and Space has started work to turn French A400Ms into a multi-mission ISR and airborne command platform. The Parallel Mission System adds a new mission management system, tactical situational awareness consoles in the cargo hold and an optronic sensor, giving crews the ability to coordinate ground troops, Tiger and Caracal helicopters, and fighter jets while managing drones and missiles launched from the aircraft.
The first French aircraft is scheduled for installation in 2027, followed by flight testing in 2028. Airbus is also studying further A400M options, including long-range jamming, a mothership role for drone and missile release, a 40-tonne payload increase and firefighting. That points to a broader shift from tactical transport to modular combat support.