A400m raf

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to receive two new Voyager and A400M aircraft as part of ongoing efforts to increase the military capability of the British forces.

Set to be inducted into the RAF base in Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, the aircraft will eventually replace the Hercules fleet and support operations around the globe.

The acquisition of two Airbus-built A400M aircraft will bring the total number to seven, with another 15 expected to join over the next three years.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) will support the growing fleet with training facilities at investment of about £366m.

UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "The arrival of two new Voyager and two new A400M aircraft here at Brize, supported by a £366m investment in world class training facilities, will allow the RAF to continue carrying troops and equipment on operations around the world."

"The arrival of two new Voyager and two new A400M aircraft here at Brize, will allow the RAF to continue carrying troops and equipment on operations around the world."

Currently, pilots are being trained on an A400M flight simulator, with a second one set to be installed at the cost of £50m, expected to be operational in June this year.

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The MoD also plans to install a £25m worth Cargo Hold Trainer at the base to be used for training loadmasters and other specialist personnel, besides smaller trainers including one for parachutists.

Additionally, the RAF will receive the final batch of Voyager aircraft in the next few months bringing the total number to nine.

The AirTanker-built Voyager aircraft is expected to remain in service until 2035.

In addition to the UK, the A400M has been ordered by the air forces of Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Turkey, and Malaysia.


Image: An Airbus-built A400M aircraft. Photo: Crown Copyright.