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.
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.
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 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.
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Safran, at the recent Egypt International Airshow, the Egyptian company Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has received a supplier certificate 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.
