Airbus Defense and Space has delivered the first of 27 Spanish-made A400M airlifters to the Spanish air force.

The aircraft was delivered during a brief ceremony at the A400M final assembly line in Seville, Spain, the company said.

"Today [Thursday] is truly a special day for all of us who have been involved with the A400M program over the years but particularly for the Seville workforce that has worked so hard to make the aircraft a reality," said Airbus Defense and Space Head of Military Aircraft, Fernando Alonso.

"Every delivery to every customer is of huge importance to us, but being able to hand over the first aircraft to Spain from our final assembly line in Seville is a source of particular pride."

With the handover Spain became the sixth country to have received the A400M.

The A400M is a four-engine turboprop with a cruise speed of 485 miles per hour and can carry a payload of more than 30 tons.

It will replace the Spanish Air Force's aging C-130 cargo aircraft type. It can also be used as a tactical air-to-air tanker.

Airbus is to deliver 14 aircraft to Spain by 2022. The remaining aircraft are slated for delivery from 2025.