Paris – June 26, 2025 – Airbus Defence and Space has announced the successful completion of a test campaign for its A400M firefighting demonstrator kit. The tests, conducted in Nîmes-Garons, France, validated the system’s performance through a series of precision water and retardant drops.
The primary goal of the campaign was to evaluate the A400M’s firefighting capabilities using an independent and expert review process. The testing was led by Entente-Valabre’s Test and Research Centre (CEREN), a French public institution recognized by the Ministry of the Interior for its international expertise in wildfire response, personnel training, and equipment evaluation.
Held in late April 2025, the campaign featured several controlled drops over a designated test area at the airfield. Using “cup grid” methodology, CEREN was able to accurately measure the dispersion pattern, concentration, and effectiveness of each release. The A400M executed drops from altitudes below 30 meters (98 feet) and at speeds of approximately 230 km/h (125 knots), demonstrating its precision and operational control.
The A400M’s Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) firefighting kit introduces a flexible and rapid-response solution to aerial firefighting operations. Designed for quick installation without any structural modifications to the aircraft, the system enables any A400M in a fleet to be converted for firefighting duties in minimal time. Housed within the aircraft’s cargo bay, the kit can release up to 20,000 liters of water or fire retardant by gravity via the rear ramp. Tanks can be refilled in under 10 minutes using standard ground-based equipment.
Additionally, the A400M’s short takeoff and landing capabilities—including from unprepared airstrips—provide significant operational flexibility. Its maneuverability and support for both daytime and nighttime missions further expand its usability in complex fire conditions and emergency scenarios.
“Building on earlier tests in Spain, this successful campaign in Nîmes is a major milestone in developing a next-generation ecosystem for aerial firefighting,” said Jo Müller, Head of Sustainability and Communications at Airbus Defence and Space. “The A400M’s adaptability, combined with the speed and effectiveness of the firefighting kit, represents a game-changing capability that complements existing firefighting resources on land, in the air, and in space.”
Airbus Defence and Space continues to advance its portfolio of aerial firefighting solutions, supporting both direct and indirect suppression missions. These efforts align with the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and innovation in addressing the growing global threat of wildfires.
Photo Airbus
