Airbus to define France’s future maritime patrol aircraft
New study contract signed
The French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space, with Thales as a key partner, a new contract to conduct a risk-assessment study for the French military’s future maritime patrol aircraft programme.
The 24-month study follows the architecture and feasibility work initiated at the end of 2022. It is set to pave the way for the aircraft’s development and production in 2026.
The study aims to refine the programme’s economic and industrial framework, support technical decisions regarding the aircraft’s integrated systems, and conduct initial wind tunnel tests. The primary goal is to prepare for the production phase at the end of 2026.
The A321 MPA, a militarised version of the Airbus A321XLR, is designed to meet the operational demands of the French Navy, with a particular focus on anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare and intelligence-gathering operations. The aircraft is expected to replace the current fleet of Atlantique 2 patrol aircraft by 2030-2040, with the French Navy operating the new platform from the Lann-Bihoué naval air base.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space commented on the contract: “The A321 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) 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. Airbus offers a sovereign solution that ensures autonomy, availability, and reliability, all critical for contributing to the oceanic component of nuclear deterrence.”
Key features of the A321 MPA include long-range capabilities and high manoeuvrability, including low-altitude operations. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors, with significant contributions from Thales. These include the latest-generation radar with active antennas, an acoustic system using passive and active sonar buoys, electronic and electro-optical warfare systems, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD), and self-protection systems.
The A321 MPA will also feature satellite communication systems and weapons for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, such as torpedoes and the future anti-ship missile (FMAN). Its large cargo bay and open architecture will allow the aircraft to evolve throughout its lifecycle to adapt to emerging threats.
Building on the success of the A320 range, which has sold over 10,000 aircraft globally, the A321 MPA is expected to offer exceptional availability, reliability, and low maintenance costs. Airbus Defence and Space also brings decades of expertise in converting commercial aircraft into military platforms, including the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and integrating sensors on P3, C295, and CN235 aircraft.
Image: A rendering of the A321 MPA, a militarised version of the Airbus A321XLR. Credit: Airbus
Last Updated on 16 hours by Arnold Pinto
