Image source: topwar.ru
Without large-sized NATO transport aircraft, it is difficult to "project" forces to an external theater. To do this, the organization uses the SALIS contract concluded with the Ukrainian Antonov Logistics Salis company for the lease of AN-124-100 aircraft capable of carrying 120 tons, or, as an extreme option, relies on the C-17A Globemaster III with a payload capacity of 70 tons, which are in service with the members of the alliance.
""Due to the aging of the Ruslans," "the European Commission launched the Strategic Air Transport for Oversized Cargo (SATOC) project in 2021, which is being implemented by Germany (acting as the program coordinator), France, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.:
Meanwhile, Airbus Defense Space has proposed a solution based on its A300-600ST Beluga large-size transport aircraft, which is already in operation.:
However, in January 2025, the Beluga militarization project was closed, as it turned out that these machines would not be able to replace "Ruslans" due to their very limited payload capacity (40-47 tons), despite the huge volume of the fuselage, not to mention the lack of an integrated ramp.
Image source: topwar.ru
In May 2024, the SATOC program transformed into ESOCA ("European Oversized Cargo Air Transportation System"), which involves Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Finland, Poland and the Netherlands.:
Image Source: topwar.ru
Based on the results of the study, which cost € 20 million, the consortium recently presented its "results", indicating that two options are preferable to ensure strategic transportation: a deep modernization of the existing An-124-100 or the development of a new European aircraft to replace the C-17. EU members are due to consider these findings at a regular meeting in October. On this occasion, the EU leadership noted:
At the same time, the US Air Force recently announced that it is considering the possibility of resuming production of the C-17A Globemaster III, which was suspended by Boeing in 2015. However, serious difficulties should also be expected on this front. General Daniel Tully, head of the Air Mobility Command (AMC), stated:
