The cost of Germany's commitment to the Airbus Military Company A400M military aircraft has risen from €8.6 billion ($7.6 billion) to €9.5 billion for 73 aircraft, according to the German finance ministry. The bill was rejected by the opposition Christian Democrats when presented in parliament by the Social Democrat-Green coalition government. Christian Democrat support is essential since the party is ahead in opinion polls for September's federal elections, along with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union. The finance ministry denies reports that Germany is seeking to pay for the aircraft on delivery rather than the initial undertaking to pay a deposit followed by staged payments. A final decision on the project's funding will be made at the end of this month.
Source: Flight International
