The Parachute Regiment wanted to send 450 troops in four Airbus A400M Atlas planes to the June 6 commemorations in Normandy.

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But the RAF said only one of the planes, a replacement for the Hercules C130, is available.

A senior source in the regiment called it “an insult to those who made the ultimate sacrifice”.

Critics have blamed the government for retiring 14 Hercules planes despite warnings the Atlas was not up to the same standard.

Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: “As things stand, the Paras’ hopes of putting on a large-scale multi-plane parachute drop has been limited to a single aircraft and just 100 of them jumping out…

“The issue demonstrates a sad and simple truth – today’s RAF lacks heavy lift transport capacity after all Hercules transport fleet, which served our nation so well for more than 50 years, was scrapped to save money.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was said to be trying to secure at least one more plane.

A source close to him said: “We will make sure we have what we need to mark D-Day in the way it deserves.

“This is a special anniversary and the UK will play a full part in the commemorations with a significant military.”

This year’s D-Day commemorations will be attended by international representatives across the world, including US President Joe Biden, as King Charles leads tributes to the 18,000 men from Allied powers who landed in Normandy.