Looking at the picture's, it's clear that the aircraft is about twice the size of a C-130, and half the size of a C-17, and it's got a lot of tire, which translates to good rough field performance.
The only real competitor out there is the AN-70 (picture below), which carries about 10 more tons, but has somewhat shorter ranges at a similar load out, but the Russians and the Ukrainians need to fund it past the one remaining prototype (see bottom picture).
Comparison:
| | A400M | An-70 |
| Empty Weight (kg) | 70,000 | 66,230 |
| Max Gross Weight(kg) | 145,000 | 141,000 |
| Speed (km/h) | 780 | 780 |
| Max Payload (kg) | 37,000 | 47,000 |
| Range w/20 t Payload | 6,600 | 3,300 |
| | 8,000 | 9,300 |
I would note that with its contra-rotating props, the An-70 is a lot louder, and would therefore likely be unacceptable for the partners in EADS, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.
Also, there are provisions for aerial refueling the An-70 in the pictures that I've seen.
On the minus side for the A400M is that it's engines are behind schedule, and so it will be a while before it flies and ships.
A400M
A400M
AN-70
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