Airbus MPA
La Tribune reports the French Defence Ministry has selected Airtbus over Dassault for its maritime patrol aircraft. France, indeed all European nations with ocean borders, need to update their patrol aircraft. Germany selected the Boeing P-8.
France did have this aircraft for the job between 1958 and 1996. Updated versions continue to serve, with 18 aircraft operational.
The selection has come as something of a shock as Dassault has never lost a competition to Airbus.
Dassault had proposed using its Falcon X against the A32x MPA. A “French” solution was sought after the MAWS programme, dating to 2017, was launched by France and Germany. Both these countries operated the Breguet Atlantique. The Grermns upgraded to P-3 Orions. When Germany selected the P-8, the MAWS program was doomed. The P-8 is operated by the US Navy, the Indian Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and has been ordered by the Republic of Korea Navy, the German Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
France has to bear the full investment cost their new maritime patrol aircraft. In making its selection, Airbus being a far larger company, becomes attractive. While Airbus does not have the same military history that Dassault has, it does probably offer a solution that could be lower cost. Since France has to cover the costs alone, any solution that mitigates this hurdle is attractive. Whatever sensor packages the Falcon X would carry, the MPA can and more.
Even using the older A319 platform, it is clear the larger aircatrft simply offers more space for people and equipment. The Falcon X offers 7,500 mile range, and Airbus will have to add tanks to its solution to get more range. There is talk they may offer the A321 platform, as this enables more fuel storage.
Considering the tradeoffs France faces, the Airbus solution likely offers the lowest risk along with lower lifetime costs.
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