Airbus Defence and Space Teams Up with Thales for Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programme Risk-Assessment Study

The French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement) has awarded a 24-month contract to Airbus Defence and Space, acting as the prime contractor, in partnership with Thales, to conduct a risk-assessment study for the future Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) programme. This study builds upon the architecture and feasibility study that was initiated in late 2022.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, commented on the development: “The A321 MPA has all the attributes to become a true flying frigate, capable of fulfilling the wide-ranging missions entrusted to the French maritime patrol. Airbus offers a sovereign solution that delivers the autonomy, availability, and reliability needed to support the oceanic component of the nuclear deterrent.”

This new study and risk-assessment contract is a critical step in preparing for the development and production phase of the MPA programme, which is scheduled for launch by the end of 2026. The study aims to refine the results from the architecture study, further define the economic and industrial conditions for executing the programme, and guide technical decisions regarding the systems to be integrated into the aircraft. Additionally, it will include the first wind tunnel tests for the aircraft design.

A321 MPA: A New Generation of Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The A321 MPA is a militarized version of the Airbus A321XLR, specifically tailored to meet the operational demands of the French Navy. The aircraft will primarily focus on anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare across a range of mission intensities, from low to high. Additionally, it will support intelligence-gathering operations, with the goal of replacing the Atlantique 2 fleet by the 2030-2040 timeframe.

Key features of the A321 MPA include long-range capability, high-manoeuvrability, and low-altitude operation. The aircraft will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors crucial for maritime patrol operations, with Thales playing a pivotal role in supplying the latest-generation radar with active antennas, passive and active sonar buoys, electronic warfare systems, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD), and self-protection systems.

Advanced Mission Systems for Future Needs

The A321 MPA will be fitted with advanced communications systems, including satellite communications, and will carry essential weaponry for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, such as torpedoes and the future anti-ship missile (FMAN). The aircraft’s large cargo bay, coupled with the open architecture of its mission system, ensures its adaptability to evolving operational requirements and emerging threats throughout its lifecycle.

Building on the success of the A320 Family—the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft with over 10,000 units in service and more than 300 million flight hours—the A321 MPA is designed for long-term availability, reliability, and low-maintenance costs.

Proven Military Aircraft Expertise

Airbus Defence and Space has extensive experience in converting commercial aircraft into military platforms, evidenced by the success of the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which holds more than 90% of the world market (excluding the USA). The company also has a wealth of expertise in integrating sensors and mission systems on various military aircraft, including the P3, C295, and CN235, with over 170 aircraft currently in service across various maritime patrol and surveillance configurations.