French Air Force evaluates European successor for the Casa CN-235 (opex360.com)

• CN-235 remains essential for overseas territorial operations.
• A400M size limits its utility on short, unimproved runways.
• Interest in a collaborative European industrial replacement.

"The French Air and Space Force is exploring potential European-led projects to replace its aging Casa CN-235 transport fleet. These aircraft are critical for operations in overseas territories and austere environments where larger transport assets like the A400M are unable to land. General Fabien Mandon emphasized the strategic necessity of maintaining a medium-lift tactical capability to ensure continued operational readiness in isolated theaters, signaling a potential shift toward European collaborative industrial solutions for this capability gap."