Airbus Defence and Space has secured a new contract to study France’s future maritime patrol aircraft, marking a significant step toward replacing the nation’s ageing Atlantique 2 fleet.
The French Defence Procurement Agency awarded the 24-month risk-assessment contract to Airbus and its partner Thales, building on an earlier architecture study launched in 2022.
The study aims to prepare for development and production of the A321 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) programme scheduled for late 2026.
Airbus Defence and Space Executive Vice President Jean-Brice Dumont said the aircraft would operate as a “flying frigate” for French maritime operations.
“Airbus offers a sovereign solution that provides the autonomy, availability and reliability required to contribute to the oceanic component of the nuclear deterrence,” Mr Dumont said.
The A321 MPA, based on the commercial A321XLR airliner, will conduct anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare missions, as well as intelligence gathering for the French Navy.
The aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensor systems from Thales, including latest-generation radar, acoustic sonar buoys, and electronic warfare capabilities.
It will carry anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons including torpedoes and future anti-ship missiles.
The new patrol aircraft is set to replace the French Navy’s current Atlantique 2 fleet operating from Lann-Bihoué naval air base between 2030 and 2040.
Airbus highlighted its experience in military aircraft conversion, pointing to its A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport programme which holds more than 90 per cent of the global market outside the United States.
The study contract will include the first wind tunnel tests and help refine technical and economic aspects of the programme.
