The 8th and 9th ATL2 upgraded to standard 6 were received by the General Directorate of Armaments on July 13 and July 21, 2022, and they were then given to the French Navy at the Lann-Bihoué base. This modernisation was carried out by Sabena as a subcontractor from Dassault Aviation for the 8th ATL2 and by the Aeronautics Industrial Service of the Ministry of the Armed Forces for the 9th.
This renovation concerns the combat system of the ATL2. This involves integrating new technologies in terms of tactical mission systems, sensor subsystems and display consoles into existing aircraft, dealing with the obsolescence of certain systems which and restoring the performance of the aircraft at the highest levels. The equipment installed is among the most efficient or high-performance in the aeronautics industry, such as the new Searchmaster radar, which benefits from the active antenna technology developed by Thales for the Rafale.
The ATL2s will thus improve their ability to deal with modern threats in all weather conditions, whether in the context of strategic deterrence missions or in the context of engagements against silent and stealthy submarines, fast craft, and even land vehicles.
By 2024, the LPM 2019-2025 provides for the renovation of 18 ATL2 to standard 6.
