Enhanced Atlantique 2 approaches IOC
One of the five upgraded ATL2s operated by Naval Air Squadron 21F, pictured on 18 September at an air show in Luxeuil, France. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
Standard 6 upgrade for French maritime patrol aircraft includes new AESA radar and improved multispectral imaging.
Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft for the French Navy are expected to reach IOC in October after the first few platforms completed an MLU to the Standard 6 configuration.
Five upgraded ATL2s had been delivered by mid-September and eight crews are qualified from Naval Air Squadron 21F in Britanny.
The enhanced aircraft have already flown missions off the coast of northern Europe to track Russian submarines, and this year they were deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of the multinational Operation EMASOHin the Strait of Hormuz.
Each crew comprises 14 specialists led by a tactical operator (TACCO),
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant]()
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
-
![Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons]()
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
