During the week of 7 October, NSPA successfully processed the very first automated A400M Engine Repair Order through the A400M Logistics Portal System (ALPS).
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ALPS is a fully integrated, web-based platform built by NSPA to facilitate how A400M maintenance and logistics are managed by users from participating nations, agencies and companies. In addition to ordering spare parts, the system includes features such as Customer Price Lists, electronic Requests for Quotation (RFQs), an Order Management module, and an Invoicing module, accessible through a modern, user-friendly interface.
During the trial at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden, the operational system defeated a range of infrared heat-seeking missiles being fired simultaneously.
All threats were quickly defeated using a laser with pinpoint accuracy, the system being designed and developed by Team Pellonia.
This is a partnership between Leonardo UK, Thales UK and the MOD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The system works by Thales' Elix-IR threat warning system quickly detecting and identifying the launch of missiles, using a series of algorithms to filter out background clutter so that only valid threats are tracked, classified and declared.
Once the threat or threats have been classified, an alert is sent to Leonardo's Miysis directed infrared countermeasure, which moves to track the incoming missile and directs a jamming laser onto the missile.
According to the MOD, threats are defeated faster than the time it takes to read this sentence.
Las dos unidades encargadas contarán con los pods subalares para reaprovisionamiento en vuelo. La segunda unidad llegará en 2026.
Global Support services contract
The Global Support Services contract, which covers all A400M-user nations, replaces the previous agreement signed in 2019. The new contract provides a full range of tailored services by Airbus to meet the needs of its customers. These services range from ground tools, spares delivery and technical support, giving flexibility to industry and operators to explore new areas of collaboration, concepts and services.
The A400M GSS3 contract brings the benefits of a fully-integrated suite of common services using shared resources and assets in combination with specific nation’s requests. Performance-based, it creates a new partnership framework based on pooling and sharing, with clear performance indicators to boost and incentivise fleet availability and reduce the cost of ownership.
Block Upgrade 0 / enhanced capabilities
The agreement between Airbus and OCCAR includes a second contract, the so-called Block Upgrade 0. It represents the first upgrade of the A400M’s operational capabilities beyond the scope of the original launch contract.
Block Upgrade 0 not only improves key elements of the A400M systems, such as flight management systems, it will ensure the A400M fleet is fully compliant with the latest NATO requirements. Tactical Information enhancement, Satellite based Landing System or Narrow Band SATCOM and Wifi will be among the new enhanced capabilities.
This Block Upgrade 0 contract is an end-to-end contract covering the development, certification, embodiment and in-service support of these enhancements. The initial phase has already started and will be completed by end 2026, while the next phases, including notably the fleet’s embodiment and in-service training, will continue until the end of the decade.
