The Atlantic 1 was developed for NATO's requirements in 1956 of a maritime reconnaissance airplane which should also be able for anti-submarine missions. The Atlantique 1 was developed by corporation between France, The Netherlands, Belgium and West-Germany.

There have been 40 airplanes delivered to the French Navy and 20 for West-Germany. In 1968 the Netherlands decided to purchase 9 airplanes, of which 4 have been bought from France. When Italy decided to purchase 18 airplanes, the production line was reopened. Pakistan has also bought 3 airplanes from France.

The Atlantic 2 was developed as the successor of the Atlantique 1, specially for the anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. The French Navy has bought 28 of this type Atlantique

The Atlantic 3 is an improved version of the Atlantic 2.

The German and Italian Navy Atlantic airplanes will be replaced by new airplanes in 29007. The German Navy has already replaced some of the airplanes by the Orion which have been bought from the Dutch Navy.