The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a 24-month risk-assessment study for its future maritime patrol aircraft programme, in partnership with Thales. This contract follows an earlier architecture and feasibility study launched at the end of 2022.

“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,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.

The new study will advance upon the initial findings of the initial architecture study, refining the economic and industrial conditions for carrying out the programme and guiding technical decisions on integrated systems. It will also include the A321 MPA's first wind-tunnel tests.

The A321 MPA is based on the Airbus A321XLR and will replace the Atlantique 2 fleet at Lann-Bihoué naval air base between 2030 and 2040. Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare as well as intelligence gathering, it will be equipped with advanced Thales sensors, including radar, sonar buoys, electronic warfare systems and magnetic anomaly detection.

With long-range capability and high manoeuvrability, the aircraft will carry satellite communications and weapons such as torpedoes and the future anti-ship missile (FMAN). Its large cargo bay and open mission system architecture will allow for future upgrades.

Airbus has extensive experience converting commercial aircraft for military use, demonstrated by the A330 MRTT and various maritime patrol adaptations of the P3, C295 and CN235, with more than 170 such aircraft in service worldwide.