The French Navy has received the last of its 18 modernized ATL-2 Atlantique maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, thus completing the upgrade program to the Standard 6 configuration. The delivery was carried out on February 17 by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) at Lann-Bihoué Naval Air Base, consolidating the full fleet modernization planned under this framework.
According to the DGA, the eighteenth and final upgraded Atlantique 2 (ATL-2) incorporates updated sensors and improvements to its operational performance. These modifications enhance its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and its ability to control the air-maritime environment—areas considered strategic for French defense. The upgrade program aimed to extend the aircraft’s operational service life and adapt it to current technological requirements.
The modernization process was carried out by Sabena as a subcontractor to Dassault Aviation, with the objective of adapting the aircraft—originally based on the Bréguet 1150 Atlantic—to the Standard 6 configuration. In April 2023, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces had announced the reception and delivery of the eleventh upgraded aircraft at the same Lann-Bihoué base, marking an intermediate milestone in the program.
The ATL-2 fleet has operated for decades from Lann-Bihoué Naval Air Base, carrying out maritime patrol, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare missions. With the completion of the planned 18 upgrades, France consolidates the transition to a unified technological configuration within its current operational fleet, although the total ATL-2 inventory amounts to 22 aircraft.
In parallel, France is advancing plans to replace the ATL-2 through the development of a new maritime patrol aircraft. Under a contract signed with the DGA, Airbus Defence and Space, in partnership with Thales, will conduct 24 months of risk assessment studies to prepare for the launch of production by the end of 2026. The project envisions the militarization of the Airbus A321XLR under the designation A321 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft).
Regarding this program, Airbus stated: “It is up to the DGA and the French Navy to define the requirement. The Atlantique 2 fleet is composed of 22 aircraft.” According to current projections, the new A321 MPA would enter service between 2030 and 2040, completing the transition process initiated with the modernization of the ATL-2s and marking the future evolution of the French Navy’s maritime patrol capability.
Images obtained from the French Navy.
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