France strengthens its presence in the Black Sea: sent ATL2 patrol aircraft.

According to inkorr.com: France plans to increase its military presence in the Black Sea region by sending Atlantic 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft to Romania. Despite being somewhat outdated, experts believe that these aircraft still perform their control and patrol tasks effectively. This was reported by 'Gvk.com' citing defence-ua.com.

History of the 'antiquated' patrol aircraft

Dassault Atlantic patrol aircraft began its history in the late 1950s with the Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic model. This project became NATO's first joint aviation development, involving countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium.

The original aircraft model was equipped with a radar that could detect ships from a distance of up to 75 km, hydroacoustic buoys for locating submarines, and electronic warfare systems. Armament included torpedoes, guided missiles, and depth charges.

Modernization to ATL2

In the 1980s, French engineers introduced an upgraded version of the aircraft - the Atlantic 2 (ATL2), which received a number of important updates:

• Equipment: New digital equipment and radar.
• Armament: Exocet anti-ship missiles.
• Systems: An integrated computer that combines all sensors, significantly increasing effectiveness, as well as the capability to perform long-range radar detection tasks (LRD).

Serial production of ATL2 began in 1989. France received 28 such aircraft and remains their only operator to this day.

Tasks in the Black Sea

Currently, the French Navy has 18 ATL2 aircraft, which are being upgraded to Standard 6, equipped with new radars, electronics, and surveillance systems. Future plans involve their replacement with Airbus A321MPA.

Experts believe that ATL2 will perform not only patrol missions in the Black Sea but could also be involved as a means of LRD. Despite their age, these aircraft are still capable of performing their functions.

Meanwhile, the French court has resumed hearings on the AF447 crash case, which occurred 16 years ago and took the lives of 228 people.

In Ukraine, it is emphasized that despite the aging of the Atlantic 2 aircraft, their effectiveness remains high, bolstered by modernization and plans to replace them with newer models in the future. This is an important step in strengthening France's military presence in the Black Sea region and supporting security in this strategically important area.