Safran has been selected to supply its optronic and navigation systems for installation on the Egyptian Navy’s ten offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to enhance the country’s naval defence capabilities.  

NVL Egypt, a joint venture between Lürssen and the Government of Egypt, chose Safran’s VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems.  

The VIGY 4 is a compact, stabilised, long-range panoramic observation and sighting system.  

It is designed to detect, identify, and track potential threats, even in challenging visibility conditions such as darkness or fog, using its short-wave infrared (SWIR) channel. 

The system transmits the positions of threats to a combat management system.  

Its modular payload includes a MWIR cooled thermal imager, a daylight FULL HD TV camera, a laser range finder, and a laser pointer.  

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It also features automatic video tracking capabilities and can be linked to radar target tracks for enhanced tracking efficiency.  

When configured for engagement, the VIGY 4 can function as a fire director system or fire control system. 

Leveraging Safran’s patented HRG Crystal gyroscope technology, the Argonyx inertial navigation system provides navigation data. 

It exhibits high performance in environments where satellite navigation signals are unavailable and meets stringent military standards for weapon system stabilisation. 

The OPVs, which will be deployed to guard the country’s coastline, will be constructed at the Alexandria Shipyard in Egypt. The shipyard has a long track record of constructing various modern corvettes and vessels for the Egyptian Navy. 

Safran Electronics & Defense Defence GBU executive VP Alexandre Ziegler said: “We are proud to contribute to the modernisation of the Egyptian Navy. 

“Our solutions will enhance the precision and security of its maritime missions, thus affirming our commitment to supporting the sovereignty of States with our cutting-edge technologies.” 

In September 2024, Preligens, a specialist in military artificial intelligence (AI), partnered with Safran in a €220m ($240m) industrial deal in France.