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2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

European strategic heavy airlift capability evaluation

Overview

The European Union is evaluating long-term strategies to secure strategic heavy-lift airlift capabilities to address a potential capability gap in the 2030s. An 18-month study by the European System for Outsized Cargo Airlift (ESOCA) consortium, led by Airbus Defence and Space, has presented two primary options to the European Defence Agency.

The first option involves the deep modernization of the existing Antonov An-124-100 fleet. The second option involves developing a new European aircraft to replace the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. This need is underscored by the 2025 suspension of the Airbus BelugaST transport program, which created a capacity gap between the 40-ton Beluga and the 120-ton An-124.

EU member states are scheduled to review the study findings and define operational requirements during Strategic Transport Days in Brussels on October 21–22, 2026.

Entities

European Union · Airbus Defence and Space · European Defence Agency · Antonov · Antonov An-124

Timeline

  1. about 13 hours ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    European Union weighs An-124 modernization or new C-17 successor

    The EU is considering modernizing the Antonov An-124 fleet or developing a new European aircraft to replace the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for strategic heavy-lift transport.

  2. 3 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    Europe evaluates An-124 modernization or new aircraft to replace Boeing C-17

    An EU-funded study suggests Europe either modernize the Antonov An-124 or develop a new aircraft to replace the Boeing C-17 for heavy military cargo transport.

Sources

airdatanews.com · airportal.hu · airway.com.br · avioblog.it · europesays.com · meneame.net · politika.rs