Airbus Military has awarded South Africa's Denel Aerostructures a contract to make structural components for the A400M tactical transport aircraft.
The Rand 200 million ($20 million) deal covers ribs, spars, and swords for the aircraft's tailplane, said the two companies at a joint press conference in the EADS chalet.
The South African firm will produce the components at its Johannesburg factory and plans to deliver the first shipset in March 2014.
An Airbus Military spokesman declined to say whether the deal suggests that Pretoria will order the A400M. In November 2009, Pretoria cancelled an order for eight A400Ms, citing concerns about cost and programme delays.
The spokesman said that the two parties have moved beyond this, and Airbus Military remains convinced that the A400M would be an important "strategic capability" for South Africa.
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Source: Flight Daily News
