The A400M programme is a direct result of a commonly expressed need by 8 European air forces for a new generation military airlifter. The scope of this initiative to specify and procure an aircraft of a common definition is unique and clearly points to the way forward in the domain of "smart procurement" for the armed forces of allied nations.
These European NATO members issued a Request for Proposal in September 1997 and it was to respond to this RFP that the aerospace industries of these nations came together in the partnership now known as Airbus Military. June 2001 saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which represented a major milestone towards the industrial launch of the A400M.
In May 2003, the contract was signed between Airbus Military and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d'Armement), representing Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, and United Kingdom for a total of 180 aircraft. In April 2005 South Africa ordered 8 aircraft, followed in December by a contract signed with Malaysia for 4 aircraft. Both nations became A400M programme partners, bringing the total commitment to 192 aircraft.
