The Airbus A400M is a medium-lift turboprop military transport aircraft currently in service with the air forces of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Malaysia, Spain, Luxembourg and Belgium. It was originally intended to be operational by 2008, but was beset by delays and the first aircraft went into service in 2013. It has proved to be superior to many other medium aircraft currently operational, including the highly popular tactical transport C-130 Hercules. It is widely used by NATO to airlift personnel and military cargo, as well as refuel fighter jets on combat air patrols over Europe. Since 2015, the aircraft has airlifted relief aid during and after humanitarian crises, and implemented medical evacuations from war-affected regions of the world. It was designed to carry large and awkward loads and to take off and land from difficult terrain.
