The French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement) has awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space, with Thales as a key partner, to conduct a risk-assessment study for France’s future maritime patrol aircraft program. This 24-month study follows a previous architecture and feasibility study initiated at the end of 2022.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, stated, “The A321 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) possesses all the capabilities necessary to become a versatile, high-performance flying frigate, meeting the diverse needs of French maritime patrol missions.” He emphasized that Airbus provides a sovereign solution, ensuring the autonomy, availability, and reliability required to support France’s oceanic nuclear deterrence.
The purpose of this study is to refine plans for the development and production of the maritime patrol aircraft, set to begin in late 2026. It will build on the initial findings of the architecture study and establish the economic and industrial conditions for the program. Additionally, the study will inform technical decisions about the aircraft’s integrated systems and will include initial wind-tunnel tests.
The A321 MPA is a modified version of the Airbus A321XLR, tailored to meet the operational needs of the French Navy, particularly in anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, as well as intelligence collection. It is intended to replace the Navy’s current Atlantique 2 fleet by the 2030-2040 period.
Designed for long-range and high-manoeuvrability missions, including low-altitude operations, the A321 MPA will be outfitted with advanced maritime patrol sensors, including radar, sonar systems, electronic warfare tools, and magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). Thales is a major contributor to the sensor suite, which also includes self-protection systems.
The aircraft will also feature satellite communications, anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons such as torpedoes and the future anti-ship missile (FMAN), and a spacious cargo bay with an open architecture mission system, allowing for future upgrades to address emerging threats. The success of the A320 Family, the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft with over 10,000 units in service, ensures that the A321 MPA will deliver proven reliability, availability, and low maintenance costs.
Airbus Defence and Space’s experience in converting commercial aircraft into military platforms is exemplified by the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which dominates the global market (excluding the United States). The company also boasts expertise in integrating sensors and mission systems on platforms such as the P3, C295, and CN235, with over 170 aircraft in service across maritime patrol and surveillance roles.
