Airbus Sees Intelligence-Gathering Role for A400M, Tanker
- Transport and refueling models could get surveillance upgrade
- Planemaker proposes `cheap' route to enhanced capabilities
An Airbus A400M performs during a flying display.
Photographer: Jasper Juinen/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Airbus Group SE aims to offer surveillance and reconnaissance upgrades to its A400M military transport and A330 airborne tanker models as the broadening of the fight against Islamic State prompts governments to seek a shortcut to enhancing their intelligence-gathering capabilities.
The planes could easily be adapted to subsidiary roles, giving operators an alternative to buying specialist aircraft that could take five years to deliver, Fernando Alonso, head of military aircraft at Airbus, said in an interview.