French Lieutenant Commander Maxence Combas stated that the future maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) needs to be a multi-role platform with high payload capacity.
Combas discussed the approach to the French Navy’s next MPA during SAE Media Group’s Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology conference, as reported by Naval News.
French Navy, currently operating Dassault Atlantique Mk2 MPA, is considering two options for the new platform: Dassault Falcon 10X and Airbus A320/321. Atlantique Mk2 is a turboprop platform that doesn’t have the contenders’ speed, range, and likely power generation capabilities.
Higher speed for an MPA means quicker positioning in the area of operations, while power generation is important for sensors such as radar and electronic warfare systems.
The new MPA is expected to be capable of using sensors like radars, electro-optics, ELINT/SIGINT equipment, sonobuoys, and electronic attack systems. They also plan to have greater firepower with anti-ship missiles.
The French Navy is also exploring options such as AI support for sensor suites and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) with UAVs and USVs to enhance sensing capabilities.
The platform in the French Navy’s mind bears some resemblance to the Boeing P-8 Poseidon jet-powered MPA with a wide array of sensors and weapon options.
France Prioritises Multi-Role Capability for the Next MPA
