France Signs Risk Assessment Contract with Airbus and Thales for Maritime Patrol Aircraft Program
France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with Thales, to conduct a risk assessment study for its Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program. This 24-month agreement follows the architecture and feasibility study initiated in late 2022.
A321 MPA: A Key Asset for France’s Nuclear Deterrence Strategy
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized that the A321 MPA is designed for long-range maritime patrol missions, offering high autonomy, reliability, and availability. The aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in France’s oceanic nuclear deterrence strategy.
The primary goal of the new contract is to define the technical, economic, and industrial aspects of the program, with development and production expected to begin by late 2026. The study will refine project requirements, determine system specifications, and conduct wind tunnel aerodynamic tests.
Replacing the Atlantique 2: The Next-Generation Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Based on the Airbus A321XLR, the A321 MPA is being developed to meet the French Navy’s requirements for:
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
- Intelligence gathering
The aircraft is expected to replace the aging fleet of Breguet Atlantique 2 patrol aircraft between 2030 and 2040.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Combat Capabilities
The A321 MPA will feature extended range and enhanced low-altitude maneuverability. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art sensors developed by Thales, including:
- Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
- Acoustic system with sonobuoys
- Electronic warfare and electro-optical systems
- Magnetic anomaly detection (MAD)
- Self-protection systems
Additionally, the aircraft will incorporate advanced communication systems, including satellite links, and will be capable of carrying anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons, such as torpedoes and the future FMAN missile. Its modular design and cargo bay will allow adaptability to emerging threats and future technologies throughout its lifecycle.
Leveraging Airbus’s Military Expertise
The A321 MPA will benefit from Airbus’s extensive experience in converting commercial aircraft for military applications, notably with the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport). Airbus has also successfully developed maritime patrol and surveillance variants of the P-3, C295, and CN235, with over 170 aircraft currently in service worldwide.
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