A400M delay could cause RAF airlift gap

There is still a lack of strategic airlift in the RAF despite the order of 6 C-17s the RAF is warning. The RAF wishes to get a further 2 C-17s which are working hard in supporting British operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The fleet is apparently working at 122% of it's planned flying rate. However the ageing Tristar and VC-10, retirement of C-130Ks and the delay to the A400M are causing concern. The RAF are due to receive 25 of the Airbus airlifter from 2010 but the A400M has yet to make it's first flight and the RAF are considering what to do if A400M is delayed further including life extensions to the 40 year old C-130K.