Airbus A321MPA
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon was selected as the next MPA aircraft for the USN in 2004, sparking an interest in converting other airliners to this role. Jet MPA aircraft were not a new idea, but were a rarity. Airbus responded with a twin approach, using similar equipment and systems, married to 2 different airframes.
As a direct longer range competitor to the P-8, the A321MPA was designed. Its longer cabin allowed for more systems to be carried, along with more sophisticated detection equipment. The longer range of the type was also a feature, especially for customers seeking to cover large ocean spaces. In the end the A321MPA would find seven customers in Europe, as well as other globally.
The increasing importance of Greenland and the Faroe Islands prompted the Danes to order the type, with five being delivered. These are based in Denmark as well as offshore.
France wanted a replacement for its faithful Atlantiques and was an important A321MPA customer. Locally developed systems were installed aboard their fleet of 30 aircraft. The bulk of the fleet are based in France, but detachments serve overseas in France’s remaining colonies and dependencies.
Like a number of other European customers, the Royal Netherlands Navy wanted a replacement for its P-3 Orions. After evaluating a number of options, it chose the A321MPA, with an order for 8 aircraft usually based at Volkenberg. The need to deploy the A321MPAs to the Netherlands Antilles prompted the Dutch to have their aircraft fitted with an inflight refuelling probe.
Norway was also looking for an Orion replacement, evaluating the P-8 Poseidon and the A321MPA as lead contenders. In March 2017 an order for 5 A321MPAs was placed, with the first aircraft delivered in November 2021. The remaining 4 will follow through 2022 and 2023.
Similarly the Portuguese wanted an Orion replacement, for which they would require NATO assistance. With much of the funding coming from European partners, the Portuguese opted to order the A321MPA, with 6 aircraft being purchased. These will replace the P-3 fleet from late 2022.
Spain’s P-3 were older than any of the others in NATO service, but their replacement was delayed many times. Eventually the A321MPA was chosen as the replacement, with a fleet of 6 aircraft being ordered. 4 are currently in service, with the remaining 2 to follow in 2022.
As an Airbus partner the United Kingdom looked closely at the A321MPA as a replacement for the retired Nimrod fleet. Evaluation of the type against the P-8 and the Kawasaki P-1 eventually saw the UK opt for the Airbus aircraft. 12 will eventually serve with the RAF, with the first 5 already in service with 120 Squadron.
Airbus A319MPA
Airbus realised that the A321MPA may be too big for some potential customers, who required a state of the art maritime patrol aircraft, but built on a smaller airframe. To meet this need they designed the A319MPA, which combined the A319 airframe with the specialist features of the larger A321MPA. A lower fuselage weapons bay was installed, capable of carrying ASW torpedoes, while a sonarbuoy dispenser was fitted as well. Underwing pylons allowed the carriage of ASMs and ECM pods, while the aircraft was fitted with internal radar, sonar and detection gear. Including a MAD boom from the tail. Internally the A319MPA carried five crew in positions within the fuselage, as well as a flight crew of two. This variant was popular with a number of smaller operators, as it gave all round MPA capability, especially in locales that did not require long range capabilities. The type would soon be seen operating over the Baltic, Black Sea and the Channel. Outside of its European buyers, the A319MPA would also sell well in South America and South East Asia.
Belgium has not traditionally operated maritime patrol aircraft, but to support NATO operations the Belgians opted to purchase 2 A319MPAs, which will also fulfil the ISTAR role. Both aircraft are based at Koksijde air base.
Since joining NATO, Bulgaria has slowly replaced older Soviet pattern equipment with more modern types. Having purchased 2 A319 airliners for transport operations, commonality of airframe was seen as a good idea when looking for a maritime patrol aircraft. For Black Sea operations the Bulgarian Air Force now operates 3 A319MPA aircraft, which have been closely involved in monitoring Russian operations against Ukraine.
Increasing concerns over Russian intentions in the Baltic led the Finns to look for a dedicated patrol and ISTAR aircraft. The Ilmavoimat ordered 3 A319MPAs, which were delivered in 2020 and 2021, despite the global pandemic. All three are regularly seen over the Baltic, being based at Tampere air base.
Germany, like France, was also looking for an Atlantic replacement, as well as a more modern aircraft to replace its Orions. Germany has always been a pro-Europe buyer and was heavily invested in Airbus, so an order for 8 A319MPAs was not unexpected. The aircraft have the range to cover the entire Baltic, as well as the North Sea, when operating from Nordholz air base.
Since the 1990s the Polish Navy has operated locally built PZL M28B Bryza, but wanted a more capable “big brother” aircraft for support. 5 A319MPAs were ordered for this role, with 3 in service and 2 more to follow. Like the Bryza, the A319s are based at Siemirowice.
The Romanian military hadn’t operated maritime patrol aircraft since the end of WW2, but membership of NATO and growing Russian belligerence in the Black Sea prompted the Romanians to consider such an aircraft. With NATO assistance the Romanians now have 4 A319MPAs in service, which like those of their Bulgarian neighbours, also fulfil the ISTAR role and have been involved in the monitoring of Russian operations.
