• The A321MPA concept. 

Credit: Airbus
    The A321MPA concept. Credit: Airbus
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Airbus has signed a contract with the French Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) to conduct a risk assessment study for France's future maritime patrol aircraft program. 

The contract, which runs for 24 months, will see Airbus and Thales prepare to begin development on the Airbus A321 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) in 2026. The A321 MPA concept is based on the Airbus A321XLR.

“The A321 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) has all the assets to become a true flying frigate capable of responding to the wide range of missions entrusted to the French maritime patrol,” said the Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, Jean-Brice Dumont.

The future maritime patrol aircraft program aims to have new aircraft replace the current fleet of Atlantique 2 MPAs operated by the French Navy in the 2030-2040 timeframe.

“Airbus offers a sovereign solution that provides the autonomy, availability and reliability required to contribute to the oceanic component of the nuclear deterrence.”

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