The Étendard ((heraldic) Standard) was the first supersonic fighter for the French Navy. and tasked with the role of ensure the protection French aircraft carriers and perform ground attack missions. Sixty-nine Etendard IVMs were produced from 1961 to 1965, and then a further twenty-one IVPs. The type was withdrawn from service in September 1981 and replaced by the Modernized Super Étendard.