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An Airbus A400M, here, placed on the tarmac of the airport of Santiago, Chile, on March 26, 2012 (Photo d'illustration). CLAUDIO SANTANA / AFP

The German Air Force does not want two new A400M military transport planes that Airbus was to deliver. Technical problems prevent the devices from being operational for Berlin.

From our correspondent in Berlin , Pascal Thibaut

It is called " Pannenflieger " or " the plane down ". Malicious languages ​​interpret the M in his name by something other than " military ". Of the 31 planes already delivered to Germany, about half this fall could fly. Yet Berlin needs it regularly for the transport of soldiers and equipment, especially to Mali.

► To listen also: The A400M in the workings of the operation " Barkhane "

The German Air Force announced on Wednesday that it was giving up taking delivery of two new A400M that were to be delivered by Airbus. The Luftwaffe considers that the technical problems in particular with the propellers do not answer the terms of the contract concluded with the manufacturer.

Aircraft checks

For the Ministry of Defense in Berlin, Airbus must guarantee during delivery that the A400M is 100% operational, which is not the case where the refusal of the German authorities to receive the two new aircraft. The Bundeswehr will carry out checks on the 31 aircraft it already has, ie at least 30 hours per aircraft. Nevertheless, planned Luftwaffe flights can be assured.

The German decision adds to a long list of problems since the delivery of the first A400M to the Bundeswehr five years ago, to which are added many problems for other materials. And while the new Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer wants to develop German participation in international interventions.