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France and Denmark Collaborate to Certify A400M for Arctic Missions in Greenland.
The French Air and Space Force has successfully conducted certification operations for the Airbus A400M on ice runways in Greenland. This crucial step aims to enable the strategic transporter to operate in extreme conditions similar to those encountered by the Danish military aviation with its C-130J Hercules.
The French Air and Space Force has successfully conducted certification operations for the Airbus A400M on ice. (Picture source: Danish MoD)
As part of this mission, a team from the Centre d’expertise aérienne militaire (CEAM – Air Warfare Center) deployed an A400M to the bases of Station Nord and Mestersvig. The aircraft completed five flights between these sites with varying cargo loads, validating its capability to operate on ice and snow-prepared runways. This certification paves the way for the A400M to be used for resupply and logistical support missions in polar regions, notably for the Danish Arctic Command.
The French initiative benefited from the support of the Danish military aviation, which has significant experience operating in such environments. According to Major BOF from the Air Transport Wing at Flyvestation Aalborg, landing on icy runways presents unique challenges, although it is comparable to using dirt strips in Africa. Extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°C, impact aircraft maintenance: seals become brittle, hydraulic leaks may occur, and battery performance is reduced. Specific measures, such as using heating systems immediately upon landing, are essential to ensure aircraft availability.
The partnership between France and Denmark on this program began in the spring of 2024 with an initial phase of exchanges on snow and ice landing capabilities. The certification itself was carried out progressively, with increasing cargo loads on board the A400M.
For Major General Søren Andersen, commander of the Arctic Command, this collaboration is strategic on multiple levels. Firstly, it acknowledges Danish expertise in Arctic operations, and secondly, it could eventually strengthen logistical capabilities in extreme regions. The A400M, with a cargo capacity nearly twice that of the C-130J, could provide additional redundancy in resupplying isolated bases such as Station Nord and Mestersvig.
The certification of the A400M for ice runway operations in Greenland was successfully completed on March 9, opening new prospects for the French Air and Space Force in extreme operational theaters.