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French Navy Atlantique 2 Aircraft Targeted by Russian Fire Control Radar in Baltic Sea for Second Time.
On March 19, a French Navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, engaged in Operation Baltic Sentry, was illuminated by a fire control radar from a Russian warship while operating in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. This action, considered an act of intimidation, reflects heightened tensions between France and Russia in the region. According to the French Armed Forces General Staff (EMA), such an illumination indicates hostile intent, as fire control radar targeting is the final step before a potential missile launch. This incident follows a similar event in January, when another Atlantique 2 was targeted by an S-400 air defense system based in Kaliningrad.
Atlantique 2 was deployed as part of Baltic Sentry, a NATO mission focused on monitoring critical underwater infrastructure amid concerns over sabotage in the Baltic Sea (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)
Atlantique 2 was deployed as part of Baltic Sentry, a NATO mission focused on monitoring critical underwater infrastructure amid concerns over sabotage in the Baltic Sea. The French military condemned the act as an attempt to restrict freedom of navigation in international airspace. However, the crew continued their mission without escalation, demonstrating a controlled response. According to the EMA, such encounters have become more frequent, reflecting the evolving security landscape in the region.
The aircraft's flight path was partially tracked on live monitoring platforms. It took off from Lann-Bihoué Naval Air Base in France at 6:40 a.m. and landed at Nordholz Naval Air Station in Germany at 8:50 a.m. After a short stop, it took off again an hour later for its patrol mission over the Baltic Sea. It disappeared from public tracking at 12:39 p.m., indicating the start of its operational flight. After approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes, it reappeared and returned to its base, landing at around 8:18 p.m.
Fire control radar illumination is a significant action. Unlike surveillance radars, which monitor airspace without directly engaging a target, fire control radars lock onto an aircraft to guide a missile toward it. Although no weapons were launched, the targeting of the Atlantique 2 highlights the nature of the engagement. France continued its mission without responding to the provocation.
Several factors could explain the Russian warship’s action. It may have been a deliberate show of force to deter the French aircraft from operating in the area. Another possibility is that the Atlantique 2 was flying at a low altitude to closely observe the vessel and collect acoustic intelligence using sonobuoys. Alternatively, the aircraft may have approached another Russian ship, prompting the warship to react to prevent further proximity.
This is not the first such event. On January 17, another Atlantique 2 was similarly illuminated by a fire control radar from an S-400 system in Kaliningrad. Additionally, on March 4, a Russian Su-35 Flanker engaged in aggressive maneuvers against a French Air and Space Force MQ-9A Reaper drone over the eastern Mediterranean. In response, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the act as "intentional, unprofessional, and aggressive," reaffirming France's commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and air operations in international zones.
In this context, the Atlantique 2 remains a key asset for surveillance and deterrence missions. Developed by Bréguet-Dassault Aviation, it is a specialized maritime patrol aircraft equipped for anti-submarine warfare and aerial maritime surveillance. It features an Iguane radar with 360° coverage, an infrared (FLIR) sensor, and a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) to locate and track submerged submarines. Additionally, it includes an electronic warfare system capable of intercepting and analyzing radar emissions.
The ATL2 is armed with MU90 torpedoes, AM39 Exocet missiles, and laser-guided bombs, allowing it to engage surface vessels and land targets. Its bilobed fuselage integrates a pressurized cabin and an armament bay designed for long-duration missions. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Tyne Mk21 turboprop engines, it reaches a maximum speed of 648 km/h and an operational ceiling of 30,000 feet. Its ability to fly at low altitudes and deploy electronic countermeasures enhances its survivability in contested environments.
The March 19 incident underscores ongoing tensions between France and Russia in strategic areas such as the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. While such encounters reflect a broader contest over military presence and operational freedom, the French Armed Forces continue their missions as planned, maintaining a consistent approach in an increasingly complex security environment. Whether these tensions will escalate further or remain within the bounds of controlled demonstrations remains an open question.