French ATL2 joins Operation AGENOR in the Strait of Hormuz

Operation AGENOR is the armed component of European led Maritime Situation Awareness in the Straight of Hormuz (EMASOH).

AGENOR is a maritime surveillance operation aiming to preserve freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, which reached its full operational capability on February 25, 2020.

Additionally, AGENOR helps stabilization in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, while preserving the interests of European and international partners. The operation’s HQ is placed at the French naval base in Abu Dhabi and relies on the French units posted in the United Arab Emirates.

The TF 474 (Task Force 474) involves French, Dutch, Danish, Belgian, Greeks, Portuguese, Italians, and Germans forces. Until April 8 2020, the french leaded multinational forces have completed more than 1,000 hours of surveillance of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

About 600 troops are deployed at sea or in the air under the CTF474 to protect maritime trade, regional business, and to ease local tensions. Since the first week of April 2020, the operation combines the Dutch frigate Ruyter, the French frigate Forbin, and one french airplane ATLANTIC2 (ATL2).

The ATL2 is a multi-mission maritime patrol plane equipped with the latest surveillance devices, like the WESCAM multi-sensor electro-optical turret that may tape images and videos day and night. The ATL2 may carry laser-guided GBU 12 type bombs, too.