Airbus Military is urging the South African government to sign up to the A400M transport aircraft project before year-end, eyeing a possible requirement to supply the air force with about eight of the aircraft starting from 2011-12.
Exhibiting in South Africa for the first time last week, Airbus Military officials spoke of a brief "window of opportunity" for nations to partner on the 180-aircraft A400M project, launched last year by eight European countries. By signing up now, they could secure as-yet unplaced contracts on the project for their national manufacturing industries, it says.
The company cites Australia, Malaysia, Norway and Sweden as other potential programme partners, although Norway has confirmed it has decided against acquiring the A400M for now (Flight International, 21-27 September).
About 3,200 South African jobs could be created through an €800 million ($980 million) purchase of eight A400Ms, according to Airbus Military. It says the purchase would also generate national business worth R860 million ($134 million) a year over 15 years through offset arrangements.
"This is a great door-opener for South Africa in the future," says Richard Thompson, Airbus Military's senior vice-president for communications. Partnership status would also enable South African industry to set up a regional support centre for the aircraft and gain access to other Airbus programmes and technologies, he says.
The European manufacturer says the A400M could provide inflight refuelling support for the SAAF's Gripen multirole fighters and could also be modified to meet possible future national maritime patrol and airborne early-warning requirements. The aircraft could also be used to support non-military tasks, it adds.
While some talks have taken place between Airbus Military and the South African Air Force over the service's future tactical and strategic airlift requirements, the company has yet to submit any formal offer to replace its Lockheed Martin C-130s.
Industry sources say it is unlikely South Africa will be able to respond in time to Airbus Military's offer of industrial workshare.
Source: Flight International
