French aerospace company Safran said it has won a contract to equip the Egyptian Navy’s offshore patrol vessels with VIGY 4 and Argonyx navigation systems.
“We are proud to contribute to the modernization of the Egyptian Navy,” said Alexandre Ziegler, executive vice president for Defense GBU at 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.”
Designed to detect, identify and track threats, VIGY 4 optronic sights are a fully panoramic, day-night observation system that offers enhanced navigation and situational awareness. Equipped with an advanced thermal imaging solution, it can be used for any weather condition and deployed in various vessel types, including large rigid-hulled inflatable boats and frigates.
Meanwhile, Argonyx is an inertial navigation system that can provide essential and accurate navigation data even in environments without access to global navigation satellite systems. Safran said its “maintenance-free” feature is thanks to its patented HRG Crystal gyroscope technology. Argonyx is deployable in surface vessels, including patrol boats and aircraft carriers.
According to Safran, NVL Egypt, a joint venture between Cairo and German shipbuilding firm Lürssen, chose the two technologies to enhance the country’s naval defense capabilities. The systems will be installed on 10 offshore patrol vessels to be constructed by state-owned shipbuilder Alexandria Shipyard.