What Happened
Airbus Upgrade Enables Intelligence Surveillance And Reconnaissance
The French air force is set to equip part of its A400M fleet with an upgraded mission system, enabling the aircraft to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. The Parallel Mission System update, awarded via Europe’s OCCAR agency, is expected to be fielded operationally from late this decade. The upgrade includes the installation of an electro-optical sensor and tactical situational awareness consoles, allowing the aircraft to coordinate missions with ground troops and fighter jets. According to Airbus Defence & Space, this development will enable the A400M to become a tactical command and control tool in the air. The news was first reported by FlightGlobal.