Germany could decide before year-end on what platform to use to meet an emerging requirement to field a standoff jammer, with the Airbus A400M a candidate.
Airbus is in discussions with companies in the United Arab Emirates over a workshare on the A400M to secure its first Middle East order for the airlifter.
Even if the Middle East is no longer the only game in town for defense exports, it still has ample appetite for advanced equipment, from drones to transports.
Airbus has embarked on a cost-containment effort and a mid-term competitiveness plan as part of its effort to turn around its struggling space business.
Airbus has its eye on top-up orders for the A400M military airlifter from the UK and Turkey, among others, as well as new customers in the Middle East.