UK hunts for A400M boat airdrop capability
A US MC-130J Commando II airdrops a Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (MCADS) over the Gulf of Mexico during a training exercise in 2015. (Photo: USAF/ Staff Sgt. Matthew Plew.)
The UK MoD is calling on industry to provide information on potential solutions to drop large boats from A400M transport aircraft by day or at night, anywhere in the world.
The requirement is for a system capable of launching boats between 8.5-12m long, 2.8-3.5m in the beam, up to 2.2m in height, and weighing 3,800-12,000kg.
In the past, boat airdrop capabilities have been known to have been used by special forces.
The MoD detailed its request in an RfI (last modified on 16 July), in which it stated: 'The User requires the ability to airdrop - select boat types with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
Saab relaunches third upgraded Gotland-class submarine
More than 20 of the central systems in HMS Halland were replaced as part of the upgrade, including sensors and command systems.
-
IDEX 2025: Saab launches new Coast Control Radar to protect waterways
According to Saab, the new radar will work to safeguard territorial waterways and maritime traffic, improving safety and security of vessels in key economic lifelines.
-
Thales to support UK Royal Navy fleet communications for next 10 years
A new deal gives Thales discretionary powers on equipment replacement in the UK Royal Navy (RN) for a decade, saving an estimated £30 million.
-
Havelsan boosts command and control in Omani fleet “for 20 years”
A new deal between the Turkish firm and the Royal Navy of Oman would upgrade all the navy’s currently active vessels.
-
India and UK to collaborate on propulsion for next-generation Landing Dock Platform
The two countries signed a Statement of Intent to design an integrated full electric propulsion system for the Landing Platform Dock by 2030.
-
New anti-mine technology delivered to French and Royal Norwegian navies
Thales and Patria are among the companies to have supplied European navies with systems to combat the growing sea mine threat.