Defence ministers from seven European nations have unveiled commitments for 225 Airbus Military Company (AMC) A400M airlifters.
At the same meeting, six European nations signed an agreement on the future of European defence co-operation.
Belgium will acquire seven A400Ms, France 50, Germany 73, Italy 16, Spain 27, Turkey 26 and the UK 25 - a total of 224. Luxembourg, despite lacking an air force, has ordered one aircraft "in close co-operation with Belgium".
In a joint statement at the show, the ministers said they "firmly intend to procure" the aircraft and stated that a contract was expected to be signed "at the earliest possible date in 2001". The programme is worth $17 billion over 20 years.
A firm number allows AMC to establish workshare agreements and gives the organisation a basis for final negotiations for an engine. A Snecma-led group, Turboprop International (TPI), and Rolls-Royce Deutschland have submitted bids, but another offer with R-R joining TPI to propose a three-shaft turboprop based around the Snecma M88 core is expected by mid-September.
AMC plans to fly the first aircraft 51 months after contract signature, with first deliveries 20 months later.
Meanwhile, defence ministers for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK signed a treaty establishing procedures for the "restructuring and operation of the European defence industry".
Known as the Framework Agreement, the treaty covers security of supply, export procedures, handling of classified information, research and technology, treatment of technical information, and military requirements harmonisation.
• The Australian Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence have agreed to exchange data on their respective Air 6000 and Future Offensive Air System (FOAS) programmes. The pair will also develop co-operative concept and technology demonstration programmes. Air 6000 will replace Boeing F/A-18s and general Dynamics F-111s. FOAS will replace the Panavia Tornado.
Source: Flight International
