France adds L3Harris sensor turret to A400M for special forces missions
A400Ms will be modified for special forces missions with an EO/IR turret and extra communications equipment. (Photo: French Air Force)
The French Air Force is modifying A400M transport aircraft with a mount for an MX-20 EO/IR turret for the special forces support role.
France's defence procurement agency, the DGA, has actioned integration of an L3Harris MX-20 optronic turret on an A400M airlifter operated by Transport Squadron 3/61 Poitou, the flying unit of Special Operations Command.
Transmission capabilities allowing real-time rebroadcasting by SATCOM and RF will also be added, to provide a full C3ISTAR capability.
This modification was made necessary by the accelerated withdrawal of the Transall C-160 from 3/61 Poitou in 2022. Seven aircraft had been modified to carry the retractable MX-20 in a fairing previously used for in-flight refuelling.
An even older solution was initially chosen to add this new capability to the A400M,
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