Atlantique 2 aircraft upgrades

The maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique 2 has been upgraded to standard 6, with a focus on improving its combat system, especially through the integration of the active antenna radar Searchmaster.

Retirement of Atlantique 2 units

Eighteen remaining Atlantique 2 aircraft are expected to be retired by 2040 due to issues with corrosion and aging of the airframes, as stated by deputy Yannick Chenevard in his budget report on program 178.

Failed Franco-German MAWS project

The Franco-German MAWS project failed after Germany decided to acquire American PATMAR aircraft P-8A Poseidon and MALE MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones instead of continuing the joint project.

Future PATMAR program selection

The Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) launched the "Future PATMAR" program and selected the Airbus A321XLR over the Falcon 10X proposed by Dassault Aviation, citing the need for larger ammunition capacity and the ability to carry a second crew.

Challenges in aircraft design

The difficulties in fitting an "electronic computing bay" into a smaller aircraft, such as the Falcon ARCHANGE, led the DGA to choose the A321XLR, according to general Fabien Mandon, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMA).

Delayed launch of PATMAR program

The launch in realization (DLR) of the PATMAR program will not be notified to Airbus and Thales this year, contrary to previous announcements, due to the program's cost being higher than the planned budget of nearly 3 billion euros.

Rising costs of PATMAR program

The cost of the PATMAR program has increased from 2.768 billion euros to 4.574 billion euros, a 65% increase noted by the rapporteur, according to documents attached to the 2027 budget bill.

Ongoing negotiations for PATMAR

Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin confirmed during a Senate hearing that negotiations between the DGA and Airbus have not been interrupted, despite the rising costs and delays in the program's launch.

Potential impact on military priorities

Delaying the launch of the PATMAR program risks moving it down the list of priorities, potentially delaying the replacement of an essential military capability, particularly for deterrence, as warned by deputy Yannick Chenevard.