In Norway, an Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft from Flotilla 21F has been deployed since January 13, 2026, at Orland Air Base. This deployment is part of a strategy to strengthen operational presence in the High North, a strategic area with increasing security challenges.
During this deployment, the ATL2 is conducting several operational flights, some of which are beyond the Arctic Circle, in a demanding environment. Operating in the Norwegian Sea, the North Sea, and the North Atlantic, the aircraft is utilizing its full range of surveillance, detection, and tracking capabilities to contribute to autonomous situational awareness and information sharing with allied partners.
With its permanence, mobility, and the versatility of its sensors, the ATL2 constitutes a leading sensor serving maritime safety and freedom of navigation.
This deployment illustrates the elevated level of interoperability between French and Norwegian forces, as well as the strength of the strategic partnership between the two nations. Hosting Flotilla 21F at a Norwegian base and conducting joint operations demonstrates a shared commitment to acting in a credible and coordinated manner for the stability and security of Europe’s northern flank, consistent with France’s commitments to its allies.