# Egypt selects Safran to equip OPVs with optronic and navigation systems

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/11/egypt-selects-safran-to-equip-opvs-with-optronic-and-navigation-systems/
- Published: 2024-11-21T10:02:51+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

The Egyptian Navy has chosen Safran to equip 10 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with
advanced optronic and navigation systems. NVL Egypt, a joint venture between Lürssen
and the Government of Egypt (GOE), has selected Safran’s VIGY 4 optronic sights 
and Argonyx inertial navigation systems to significantly bolster Egypt’s naval defense
technology.

VIGY 4 is a compact, stabilized, long-range panoramic observation and sighting system.
It can detect, identify and track threats. It is particularly efficient for operations
in reduced visibility, in the dark and in difficult weather conditions, through 
fog for example, thanks to a SWIR (Short Wave InfraRed) channel. The VIGY 4 sight
can also drive small and medium-caliber weapons.

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Based on the HRG Crystal gyroscope technology, an innovation patented by Safran,
the Argonyx inertial navigation system provides all the data essential for navigation.
This advanced navigation system also offers a high level of performance in environment
devoid of satellite navigation signals (GNSS-denied) and meets the most stringent
requirements for stabilization of weapon systems.

“We are proud to contribute to the modernization of the Egyptian Navy,” said Alexandre
Ziegler, Executive VP, Defense GBU of Safran Electronics & Defense. “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.”

These systems will be installed on OPVs, which will be constructed in Egypt by Alexandria
Shipyard.

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![Egypt selects Safran to equip OPVs with optronic and navigation systems](https://
www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SAF2019_0308469-696x522-1.jpg)

Argonyx inertial navigation system

Egypt has received multiple vessels from Lürssen, including 60 metre and 40 metre
coastal patrol craft. Egypt has advanced several projects in collaboration with 
Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), such as the CC-60 Compact Combatant and PV-43 HRM offshore
patrol vessel.

In November 2020, [Egyptian Navy was supplied with nine Lürssen patrol boats](https://www.military.africa/2020/11/germany-to-supply-ten-lurssen-patrol-boats-to-egypt/)
as well as a single coastal defence boat from Germany under a 130 million euro deal
says a  letter from Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) to the Economic
Committee of the Bundestag, the German parliament.

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As part of an ongoing collaboration with Safran, at the recent [Egypt International Airshow](https://www.military.africa/2024/09/the-egypt-international-airshow-underway/?),
the Egyptian company Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has [received a supplier certificate](https://www.military.africa/2024/09/aoi-and-safran-sign-agreement-for-larzac-engines-maintenance-in-egypt/)
from Safran Aircraft Engines.

This certification follows the signing of a cooperation agreement in December 2023
for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Larzac engine. With this certification,
AOI becomes a globally authorized and licensed company to support the engines of
the Alpha Jet training and light attack aircraft. This activity will be carried 
out in a brand new engine shop located in Helwan (Egypt) employing 30 skilled workers.

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