Prague  - The seven NATO countries that ordered Airbus A400M transport aircraft agreed to seek more details on the delivery timetable before deciding whether to cancel much-delayed contracts, European diplomats said Thursday.

The countries - Germany, France, Britain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey - may jointly cancel the combined orders for 180 transport planes on April 1.

"We need clarity on the time frame," German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung said. "Of course we have a possibility to cancel but I would like to maintain the European idea."

Officials said that the countries were mulling a three-month freeze before making up their mind.

Airbus' parent company EADS promised to deliver the first aircraft to France, which ordered 50 planes, in October 2009 and to Germany, which ordered 60 airlifters, in August to 2010. But the project is delayed by at least three years. dpa