The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to conduct a risk-assessment study for France’s future maritime patrol aircraft program, paving the way for the modernization of the country’s naval surveillance capabilities once completed.
The 24-month contract, announced February 4 in Paris, builds upon an architecture and feasibility study initiated in late 2022. Airbus will serve as the prime contractor, working in partnership with Thales to develop a militarized version of the commercial A321XLR aircraft.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “The A321 MPA has all the assets to become a true flying frigate capable of responding to the wide range of missions entrusted to the French maritime patrol.”
The study aims to prepare for the program’s development and production launch, scheduled for late 2026. Key objectives include refining economic and industrial parameters, guiding technical decisions for system integration, and conducting initial wind-tunnel testing.
The new aircraft will replace the French Navy’s current fleet of Atlantique 2 aircraft, based at Lann-Bihoué naval air station, with deliveries expected between 2030 and 2040. The A321 MPA will be equipped with advanced surveillance and combat systems, including latest-generation radar, acoustic monitoring systems, and electronic warfare capabilities provided by Thales.
Notable features include the ability to deploy torpedoes and future anti-ship missiles, complemented by comprehensive communication systems and satellite connectivity. The aircraft’s design incorporates a large cargo bay and adaptable mission systems to accommodate future technological advances.
Airbus brings significant experience to the project, drawing from its successful conversion of commercial aircraft for military use, particularly the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport program. The company has delivered more than 170 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft across various platforms, excluding the United States market.
The selection of the A321 platform leverages the proven reliability of the A320 family, which has accumulated over 300 million flight hours across more than 10,000 aircraft in commercial service. This established track record suggests potential maintenance and operational cost benefits for the military variant.
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