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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Germany
 
 
Germany wants further risk assessments due to A400M glitches
 
Germany wants further risk assessments on the Airbus A400M acquisition programme. According to Reuters news agency, the president of the Bundestag’s defence committee Wolfgang Hellmich said that the new risk assessments were needed as a result of the long delays, due to technical difficulties in transmission gearbox of the aircraft.
     
Germany wants further risk assessments due to A400M glitches 640 001The first Luftwaffe's A400M military airlifter
(Credit: Airbus DS)
     
Mr. Wolfgang Hellmich said at German Funke Media Group that the committee seeks answers from the Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen and the companies, on whether the technical glitches will lead to further delays or if solutions are immediately available. He also wondered whether the A400M would be able to fulfill what has been promised.

He also reminded that the German Armed Forces are in a difficult position, as the A400M which will replace the capabilities of the C-160 Transall scheduled to be withdrawn in 2021, is well behind its delivery plan. He also warned that they could cancel the project, if it doesn’t develop as required.

Germany has a plan to acquire 53 A400M aircraft. This number is below the 73 aircraft it originally committed to receive. In December 2015, the German Air Force inducted its second aircraft out of five it was expected to receive throughout the year. Due to the delays, the government imposed a EUR13 million fine to Airbus Group in November 2015.

 

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