U.K. Airbus A400M Airlifter Costs Exceed Plan by $1.2 Billion

The Airbus Military A400M airlifter for the U.K. is now running over budget by 770 million pounds ($1.2 billion), according to the British Ministry of Defence.

There is also a cost overrun on a Thales SA Watchkeeper drone program and a Northrop Grumman Corp. electronic system for aircraft, Philip Dunne, a minister for defense, told Parliament in written answers to questions.

The U.K. is acquiring 22 A400M transports to replace Lockheed Martin Corp. C-130s, a program running 73 months behind plan, the National Audit Office said.

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