First A-400M not till 2012?

The horse is decomposing (via Spotlight on Military News and International Affairs):

1) First A400M delivery in 2012 or later

AIRBUS MILITARY and EADS propose a new approach for the A400M Programme

22:31 GMT, January 9, 2009 Airbus Military and EADS have proposed a new programme approach for the A400M to the Launch Nations, through OCCAR, with the aim to find a way forward for this programme.

Airbus Military and EADS want to discuss the programme schedule along with changes to other areas of the contract including in particular certain technical characteristics of this first-class military aircraft.

Airbus Military suggests to resume series production only once adequate maturity is reached, based on flight test results. With this proposed new approach, the first delivery of the A400M would then occur around three years after first flight.

Airbus Military is still working with the engine consortium to firm up a date for the first flight.

Airbus Military and EADS will only be able to reliably determine all financial implications once a committed industrial plan, including the availability of systems, is fully stabilized and once OCCAR's position on the proposal is known.

This proposed new approach will not compromise the ultimate qualities and the exceptional characteristics of the airplane, with the most advanced logistic and tactical capabilities that will be delivered to the armed forces and will make A400M a unique airplane in its category.

2) UDPATE 2-EADS wants A400M contract change, adds delay

Airbus parent EADS, seeking to bolster a troubled European military project, called Friday for a renegotiated contract with NATO nations and indicated the A400M airlifter would not be ready before 2012.

The plane -- designed to plug gaps in transport capacity in conflict zones like Afghanistan or to carry out humanitarian missions -- has been hit by delays in building its massive turbo-prop engines, sparking a public row with suppliers.

EADS has in turn been unable to meet its obligations to seven European NATO countries that ordered the plane in the largest single European arms purchase in 2003, placed through procurement agency OCCAR.

In a statement after markets closed Friday, EADS said it wanted to "discuss the programme schedule along with changes to other areas of the contract including in particular certain technical characteristics."

People familiar with the 20 billion-euro project have said it includes extensive customisation to meet national military priorities.

Boy did we make the right choice. From Lieutenant-General Angus Watt, Chief of the Air Staff (p.11--link added):

...We will receive 17 J-model C-130 Hercules tactical airlifters to replace the oldest of the current Hercules fleet with first deliveries expected in early 2010.