PATROUILLEURS DU DÉSERT Avec les équipages des Breguet Atlantic et Atlantique 2 (1977-2020)

This book is adapted from the master's thesis in human and social sciences that the author followed at the École Pratique des Hautes Études, in parallel with his schooling at the École de Guerre 2018-2019. Entitled "History of the adaptation of maritime patrol aircraft to intelligence gathering missions on land, or how the human eye is irreplaceable above the battlefield", this thesis had several objectives. First, a historical dimension, since it places each external operation of the Atlantic/Atlantique 2 in the geopolitical context of the time. Then, an analytical dimension to understand the reasons for the paradoxical success of these maritime patrol aircraft in desert operations. Finally, a more forward-looking section to try to explain how, despite the advent of drones and technological advances in the broad sense, maritime patrol aircraft should retain their place as a major player in air-land action. While the literature is unfairly poor on the Dassault – Breguet of the Navy in operations, this book pays tribute to these generations of sailors in the sky and their unique know-how.