By Mohammed Rizwan 
The European defense giant Airbus revealed a scale model of its A321 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) at the Euronaval exhibition last week. This new concept replaces the A320M3A (Modular Multi-Mission Aircraft) introduced at the 2018 event and supports a French government initiative to procure next-generation MPAs.
Battle for the Skies: Airbus A321 MPA vs Dassault Falcon 10X in the Race to Replace Atlantique 2!
The next day, La Tribune reported that France chose the A321 MPA for the Patmar (Patrouille Maritime) program. This program aims to acquire advanced fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft. Dassault Aviation also submitted a proposal. After 2030, the program will replace the French Navy’s 22 Breguet Atlantique ATL2 aircraft fleet. Dassault Aviation has also presented a competing proposal based on its Falcon 10X platform.
The report further noted that France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces favored Airbus Defense and Space’s proposal over Dassault’s. Built on the A321XLR (Extra Long Range) passenger aircraft platform, Airbus Defense and Space calls the A321 MPA the “next generation Long Range MPA. The company has partnered with Thales to supply its electronics and avionics systems.
Airbus Aircraft Design Overview
The scale model showcases a twin-engine airliner fitted with advanced sensors. Two fairings are visible on the fuselage’s sides, likely housing radar arrays. Several modifications are present on the underside, including extended wing-body fairings stretching toward the rear fuselage, forming squared extensions. These modifications create weapon bays that can hold sonobuoys and torpedoes over half the aircraft’s length.
On the dorsal side, there are two fairings, probably for SATCOM systems, along with five antenna blades. The aircraft also features a combination of V/UHF and HF antennas. An electro-optical (EO) ball turret is mounted below the cockpit. The tail cone has a configuration standard to other MPA aircraft, with ESM (Electronic Support Measures), MAWS (Missile Approach Warning Systems), RWR (Radar Warning Receivers), and sensors for a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD).
The aircraft may also include ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) capabilities. This could be a potential feature as demand for particular mission aircraft with all-aspect ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems grows. While the model does not include an aerial refueling probe or external hardpoints for missiles—features not currently planned—it is important to note that this is only a scale model of the conceptual design. Airbus aims to limit structural modifications to the aircraft.
Airbus Official Provides Further Insights
In an interview with Naval News at the exhibition booth, Alexis Latty, Airbus Defence and Space’s manager for French Navy programs, shared that the A321 MPA concept was developed after an 18-month feasibility study commissioned by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). Airbus has extensive experience converting commercial aircraft into military platforms, similar to its work on the A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport).
The A321, part of the A320 family of narrow-body, short- to medium-range passenger airliners, has been in service since 2010 with the New Engine Option (NEO) variants. It is designed to have a 40-year lifespan, offering ease of upgradability and maintainability. The airframe’s modern design also allows for integrating next-generation systems and equipment throughout its operational life.
While not explicitly stated, the French Navy may incorporate collaborative UAVs/UCAVs into its support and particular mission aircraft, such as MPAs, in the future. The final requirements for the A321 MPA have not been released yet.
Latty also confirmed that Thales will supply the aircraft’s full sensor suite, with a standout feature being the new conformal radar arrays in the side fairings. With the A321XLR baseline model offering a range of 4,700 nautical miles and an endurance of 11 hours, the A321 MPA is expected to outperform the current Breguet Atlantique ATL2.
Understanding the Role of Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the French Navy
A French MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) refers to a specialized aircraft used by the French Navy (Marine Nationale) for surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions. These aircraft carry advanced sensors, radar, and weapons systems to detect and engage potential threats at sea, including submarines, ships, and other maritime targets.
The primary role of an MPA is to patrol the seas, monitor large areas of water, and provide early detection of hostile activities, often in support of naval and air defense operations. The French Navy’s current MPA fleet includes the Breguet Atlantique ATL2, which is gradually being replaced by newer platforms like the Airbus A321 MPA. This model will meet the French Navy’s operational needs over the coming decades.
Airbus vs. Dassault: The Battle for France’s Next-Gen Maritime Patrol Aircraft Heats Up
According to Opex360, Airbus’ competitor in the MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) program, Dassault Aviation, is developing a concept based on the Falcon 10X, which boasts an impressive range of 14,000 km. The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) initiated a study in January 2023, which prompted both companies to submit proposals. The study called for an “economically viable solution” to meet the French Navy’s operational needs beyond 2030.
The DGA outlined critical requirements for the new MPA, including innovations in sensor technology, communications systems, artificial intelligence integration, and the potential incorporation of advanced weaponry, particularly the future anti-ship missile. This refers to the MBDA’s Future Anti-Ship Missile/Future Cruise Missile (FMAN/FMC or FC/ASW in English), designed to enhance the MPA’s strike capabilities.
While Opex360 noted that the DGA has yet to release the study’s results, La Tribune reported that both Airbus and Dassault have been notified of the outcome. The Airbus A321 MPA is reportedly favored because it can carry the FMAN anti-ship missile and accommodate a second crew for extended missions, a feature missing in Dassault’s Falcon 10X-based solution.
Latty emphasized that Airbus designed the A321 MPA to require minimal structural modifications, helping keep costs down. However, it is essential to note that the A321XLR-based platform is still more expensive than the smaller Falcon 10X, which sacrifices payload for range.
Breguet Atlantique ATL2: A Legacy of Versatility and Upgrade
Commissioned in the early 1990s, the Breguet Atlantique ATL2 is a long-range, twin-engine, multi-mission aircraft, as described by the French DGA. This twin-turboprop aircraft excels in various roles, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship operations, and intelligence gathering. It also supports ground troops and is crucial to France’s maritime operations.
Currently undergoing an upgrade program, the ATL2 Standard 6 project involves 18 aircraft, with completion expected by 2025. The upgrades aim to enhance the aircraft’s performance, especially underwater warfare. The new equipment includes the advanced Search Master radar, which features active antenna technology developed by Thales for the Rafale fighter jet, significantly improving the aircraft’s capabilities.
New Era for Maritime Patrol Aviation
The race to replace the French Navy’s aging fleet of Breguet Atlantique ATL2s has sparked intense competition between two aviation giants, Airbus and Dassault. With Airbus unveiling its A321 MPA, a formidable contender derived from the A321XLR, and Dassault offering a high-performance solution based on the Falcon 10X, the future of France’s maritime patrol capabilities looks to undergo a revolutionary transformation.
The A321 MPA promises next-generation features, including advanced sensor systems, increased endurance, and the potential to carry cutting-edge weaponry like the FMAN anti-ship missile. Meanwhile, Dassault’s Falcon 10X proposal emphasizes range and payload efficiency. The DGA’s study and the upcoming selection of the new MPA reflect a broader strategy to enhance the French Navy’s operational effectiveness in the post-2030 era.
Both proposals push the boundaries of innovation, and the French Navy’s mission at sea will dramatically shift in the coming years.
RUH🇸🇦 | ✈Aircraft Engineer
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