Türkiye becomes only country outside Airbus to upgrade A400M aircraft
The A400M aircraft, which is of strategic importance in increasing the tactical and transportation capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) (AA Photo)
Türkiye has become the only country outside Airbus facilities in Spain and Germany to carry out upgrade operations for A400M military transport aircraft, a process known as “retrofit,” at the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri.
A400M upgrades conducted in Türkiye
The Kayseri-based facility has opened its doors to Anadolu Agency (AA) to showcase its role in modernizing the A400M, one of the world’s largest military cargo aircraft, widely referred to as “Koca (Big) Yusuf” in Türkiye.
The 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate, under the Ministry of National Defense’s General Directorate of Military Factories, is responsible for the periodic maintenance of the A400M fleet, as well as extensive retrofit operations.
Retrofit upgrades enhance the aircraft’s capabilities, allowing for:
- Simultaneous parachute drops from the side doors,
- Low-altitude autopilot functionality,
- Increased cargo hold capacity,
- Maximum utilization of the overhead crane system.
Türkiye’s strategic role in A400M maintenance
The Production Planning Control Chief of the Aircraft Factory-Level Maintenance Services (FASBAT) at the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate emphasized Türkiye’s unique role in A400M retrofits.
“Türkiye is the only country outside Airbus capable of performing this operation. After the retrofit project, the aircraft gains enhanced functionality, including synchronized parachute drops, expanded cargo space, and improved autopilot capabilities at low altitudes,” the official stated.
With 10 A400M aircraft in its fleet, Türkiye became the first country to complete its planned acquisitions in 2022.
The aircraft’s capacity for long-range flights and heavy cargo transport has significantly boosted the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TAF) operational capabilities.
Retrofit project and maintenance operations
The A400M fleet undergoes two primary types of maintenance:
- Light Maintenance (CL): Conducted every two years by the 12th Air Transport Main Base Command.
- Heavy Maintenance (CH): Carried out every six years by the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate, making Türkiye the only non-Airbus facility performing these operations.
Currently, the seventh aircraft is undergoing heavy maintenance, while nine aircraft are being upgraded under the retrofit project.
The retrofit program consists of four phases:
- Dismantling
- Implementation
- Software Installation and Assembly
- Testing
All procedures comply with the European Military Aviation Regulation (EMAR-145) standards.
Global recognition and future prospects
Türkiye aims to establish itself as one of the four global centers for A400M retrofit and maintenance, expanding its capabilities to service aircraft from other countries.
By 2026, the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate will celebrate its 100th anniversary, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Türkiye’s defense industry and operational readiness.
A400M’s humanitarian and military missions
Since joining the Turkish Armed Forces, A400M aircraft have played a crucial role in:
- The evacuation of Turkish and foreign nationals from China during the COVID-19 pandemic,
- The evacuation of Turkish citizens from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021,
- Airlifting humanitarian aid and rescue teams during the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Türkiye,
- Transporting patients from Gaza to Türkiye for medical treatment amid the ongoing conflict.
