European Union weighs An-124 modernization or new C-17 successor

The European Union is evaluating strategies to secure long-term strategic heavy-lift airlift capabilities. According to an ESOCA study funded by the European Defence Fund, the EU is considering two primary paths: a significant modernization of the existing Antonov An-124-100 fleet or the development of a new European aircraft to eventually replace the American Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

The study, coordinated by Airbus Defence and Space with a consortium of 14 companies from nations including France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, was presented to the European Defence Agency. The initiative aims to address a potential capability gap in the 2030s. This follows the decision by Airbus to suspend its BelugaST transport program in early 2025 due to insufficient external users, leaving a gap between the 40-ton capacity of the Beluga and the 120-ton capacity of the An-124.

EU member states are expected to review these findings and define operational requirements during the Strategic Airlift Day scheduled for October 21-22 in Brussels.