Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the A400M Atlas transport aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, this multi-role military transport aircraft has redefined strategic and tactical airlift worldwide.

Since the first of the 22-strong fleet of aircraft was delivered to the Oxfordshire station on 17th November 2014, Atlas has repeatedly proven itself on a range of operations. It has become a vital asset to armed forces across the globe, demonstrating performance, adaptability, and resilience in support of military and humanitarian missions alike.

Atlas has excelled during relief operations in the Caribbean and contributed to the military response to  COVID, transporting patients, equipment & vaccines.​​ It played a pivotal role in the evacuation of people from Afghanistan and Sudan, and most recently delivered supplies by air drop in Gaza.

Operated by four squadrons at RAF Brize Norton, an Atlas is also based in the Falkland Islands providing Maritime Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue, and medical evacuation cover in the South Atlantic. With the benefit of air-to-air refuelling Atlas can also airdrop supplies in Antarctica.

Last year an RAF Atlas also carried out the longest-ever flight of the type flying non-stop for 22 hours from RAF Brize Norton to Guam in the Pacific.

Group Captain Andrew McIntyre, Commander Air Wing, RAF Brize Norton, said:

“The Atlas has consistently demonstrated superior strategic capabilities and versatility for the many challenging missions faced by the RAF. Its range, altitude, speed, payload and tactical performance has proven invaluable in humanitarian missions over the past 10 years, including the Caribbean, Afghanistan, Sudan, Middle-East, not to mention protecting Europe’s Eastern flank and life-saving rescue missions in the South Atlantic.”

To date, some £1.36bn has been spent with UK suppliers by the A400 programme. All wings for aircraft are made in Filton (Bristol), and the 150th set of wings were delivered this month.

Michelle Ostergaard, DE&S A400M Team Lead and Head of Programme Delivery, said:

“The A400M has been an excellent demonstration of multinational collaboration, with DE&S working in partnership with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and five other nations for the success of this European procurement project. Throughout the last 10 years DE&S has provided support for the aircraft’s global operations and we continue to work closely with OCCAR, nations and industry to procure equipment for, and support services to, the A400M fleet.”

The Atlas is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that can deliver 37 tonnes of cargo over long distances, reach challenging, remote locations, and operate from short, unpaved runways. It has proven indispensable for critical operations in diverse environments. To date, the A400M has logged over 200,000 flight hours, underscoring its reliability and indispensability in missions ranging from combat support to disaster relief.

Air Chief Marshal Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, said:

“What the hugely advanced Atlas offers the RAF is truly remarkable, and notably enables us to fill the first responder role that the UK government asks of us. The achievements of this remarkable aircraft over the past decade are extensive and would not have been possible without the whole force team of regular and reservist RAF personnel, civil servants, and industry partners. I have every confidence the Atlas will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Atlas has advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and a fully digital cockpit, allowing for efficient operations, precision navigation, and reduced pilot workload. It has exceptional short field performance enabling it to operate from short un-prepared as well as semi-prepared strips, all achievable whilst utilising night vision goggles.