The French Navy is engaged in Operation Chammal against the terrorist group ISIS in Iraq and Syria. As such, the Atlantic 2 provides oversight, intelligence and, hence, strike opportunities. It was in July 2008 that the aircraft was certified to be able to load bombs. Initially, the illumination of the targets had to be ensured by another means, for example ground troops, but now the plane has its own designation of objective thanks to the Wescam MX20 optronic system.
In total, it can carry up to four bombs, GBU-12 of 250kg or GBU-58 of 125kg.
As part of its main mission, maritime patrol, the Atlantic 2 can embark in its hold two AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles or six MU90 light torpedoes for the anti-submarine warfare.
video from Ministere de la Defense
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