# European Defence Agency Advances Airlift Capability Study

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has completed the European System for Outsized Cargo Airlift (ESOCA) study, funded under the European Defence Fund 2023 call with a budget just under 20 million euros as of September 8, 2026. This study evaluates options to modernize the Antonov An-124 fleet or develop a new European heavy airlift aircraft to succeed the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. EU member states will review the study's findings and operational requirements during the Strategic Transport Days in Brussels in October 2026 to determine the future direction of Europe's strategic airlift capabilities. This initiative builds on existing NATO arrangements, including a five-year contract from October 2021 for chartering Antonov An-124 aircraft through the Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS).

- Procurement professionals should note the upcoming decision point in October 2026, which may lead to significant contract opportunities for aircraft manufacturers and aerospace suppliers.
- The involvement of major aerospace consortium members such as Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Leonardo, Safran Aircraft Engines, and ITP Aero indicates a collaborative European industrial approach.
- Contractors currently engaged in or seeking to enter the strategic airlift market should evaluate capabilities aligned with modernization or new aircraft development programs.
- The ESOCA study funding and NATO SALIS contracts highlight ongoing multinational procurement frameworks that may influence future contracting vehicles and partnership models.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- European Defence Agency (EDA)
- European Commission
- NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
- NATO
- Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO)

### Vendors
- Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (consortium coordinator)
- Leonardo (consortium member)
- Safran Aircraft Engines (consortium member)
- ITP Aero (consortium member)
- Antonov Logistics SALIS (aircraft provider)

### Sources
- [Europe considers Antonov An-124 upgrade or C-17 successor](https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/europe-an124-modernization-c17-successor-airlift) - AeroTime