The Egyptian Navy has chosen French defense company Safran’s optronic and navigation system to be installed on 10 of its offshore patrol vessels.

Safran was chosen by NVL Egypt, a joint venture between Lürssen and the Government of Egypt, to help modernize the country’s maritime capabilities. 

The vessels will be constructed in Egypt by Alexandria Shipyard.

Executive VP Alexandre Ziegler expressed that the company was “proud to contribute to the modernization 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.”

VIGY 4 Optronic Sights 

The VIGY 4 is a compact, stabilized, long-range panoramic observation and sighting system used to detect, identify, and track threats. 

Weighing less than 35 kilograms (77 pounds), it is easy to install and compatible with various vessels, from large rigid-hulled inflatable boats to frigates.

Through its thermal imaging solution, it allows full day-to-night and all-weather surveillance capability, enabling its users to navigate in dark, foggy, and other difficult conditions. 

The optronic system also has a modular payload that includes a MWIR-cooled thermal imager, daylight FULL HD TV camera, SWIR camera, laser range finder, and a laser pointer. 

Lastly, the VIGY 4 can be integrated with small and medium-caliber weapons.

Argonyx Inertial Navigation System

This advanced navigation system provides surface vessels with accurate attitudes, precise localization for sensor stabilization, and weapons alignment, even in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environments. 

It features power consumption of less than 25 watts, weighs less than 14 kilograms (30.86 lbs), and has an operating temperature of negative 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) to 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit). 

The Argonyx is based on Safran’s patented HRG Crystal gyroscope technology.

It is also International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free and is fully naval MIL SPEC certified.