Is A400M a waste?

In the last LIMA 2005, the Malaysian Armed Forces had signed the MoU to purchase the A400M, a large transporter aircraft. We bought 4 of it at the cost of more than RM 2 Billion. It has the capability unsurpass by that of a Super Hercules C130 that we currently operate. Originally, the aircraft is developed to satisfy the need of NATO allies in Europe. But somehow the MAF is keen to have some of them. Of course, it can land on a short runway. That would be an advantage if we are a desert or tundra climated country. But in Malaysia, we have forest all the way, and virtually no large space to accommodate the A400M.

The only alternative - airports. Landing in airports can cause certain disadvantage in wartime. It might get destructed or simply taken over by the opposing force. Maybe they are thinking of it as an ideal tank carrier or aerial tanker. But it's just too big and can get shot easily. Because the observability will be increased for a large aircraft. And after that, what? we'll just going to see it goes down with one or two tanks inside its large cargo bay? Even as an aerial tanker, it would be clever to have our jet fighters to refuel outside combat zone.

But if we're seeing no immediate war in the future, maybe the A 400M will suit us. Besides, we always be the first to arrive to lend help to countries that are disaster-strucked. Like Indonesia. And furthermore, if we are really going to develop a squadron of air tanker or transporter, 4 just isn't enough. Even with just 48 PT-91 tanks, its going to take us 12 rounds of flight just to deploy all of them. Efficient? Most probably not.


Aerial tanker capability that gets Najib excited


Short soft landing and take-off in open area; will be available in Malaysia after a Nuclear Strike