Commercial aircraft manufacturers have long engaged in lucrative business to support the defense industry, and Airbus is no different. While the public marvels at Airbus’ latest jetliners, the top brass of national armies marvel at its war-ready troop transport, in-flight refueling and military cargo planes.

Airbus launched the A400M Atlas program in 2003 with the aim of supplying the countries of the Joint Armaments Cooperation Organization. The first A400M was delivered in France in 2013 after 10 years of development and four years behind schedule.

Source: Airbus and Financial Times

Today, many countries have placed 176 orders for the aircraft. The countries that have orders with Airbus are Malaysia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

Source: Airbus

The A400M is powered by turboprops and targets the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. One of the most iconic aircraft in American military history, the C-130 has seen service in every American war since the Vietnam War.

There is room for seven pallets on the main deck and two additional pallets on the ramp. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter can even be carried on board the aircraft if needed.

Source: Airbus