ExpoDefensa 2023: French company Metravib Defense showcases soldier protection solutions.

ExpoDefensa 2023 is currently being held in Bogota, Colombia, from December 5 to 7, showcasing participants in the defense and security sector in Latin America. Among them, Metravib Defence is present at the French pavilion, displaying its products, including the Pearl and Pilar series, designed for soldier, vehicle, and infrastructure protection.
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Metravib's engagement in the defense industry dates back to the 1990s, involving collaboration with the French Army, focusing on the study of the acoustic signature of submarines (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Metravib's engagement in the defense industry dates back to the 1990s, involving collaboration with the French defense procurement agency, Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA), focusing on the study of the acoustic signature of submarines. This collaboration led to the development of the Pilar detector, initially designed for UN armored vehicles during missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The collaboration with the US Army marked a significant milestone for Metravib, providing access to the broader US Armed Forces equipment market. The Pilar systems have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 15 years, with more than 200 systems sold to the US Special Operation Command.

The evolution of Metravib's technology is exemplified by the Pilar IV, which integrates shot detection and area perception technology into a single piece of equipment for armored vehicles. The fourth-generation PILAR system introduced 'On-the-Move' (OTM) technology, updating shooter coordinates in real-time while the vehicle is in motion, enhancing operational capabilities.

Building on the success of Pilar, Metravib unveiled Pilar V, the next-generation acoustic gunshot detector. Pilar V retains the benefits of its predecessor while incorporating the latest technology and research on recognizing acoustic threat signatures. Its more compact design enables seamless integration into vehicles, providing greater awareness of threatening situations and improved personal protection. Pilar V excels in firearm recognition, calculating shot distances, and detecting mortar fire, drones, and helicopter arrivals.

Expanding its offerings, Metravib introduces the PILAR Ground Version, an acoustic gunshot detector tailored for protecting sensitive sites, military bases, checkpoints, embassies, and other critical areas. The adaptability of Metravib's solutions underscores its commitment to effective monitoring, detection, and localization of threats in various environments.

In response to the need for infantry protection, Metravib later introduced Pearl, a compact shot detection system directly fitted onto weapons. Positive feedback highlighted its ease of use, interoperability, and low incidence of false alarms. Pearl, a weapon-mounted system, is designed to localize shots fired by small and medium-caliber weapons in real-time, using sound waves generated by the shot.

As Metravib continues to innovate, the company is focusing on signature recognition research and networking systems to stay at the forefront of battlefield data valorization and digitalization. The focus is on equipping high-noise generating carriers, such as helicopters or tracked vehicles, while anticipating evolving threats and the increased use of robots on the battlefield. Metravib's commitment to advancing defense technology is recognized globally, with its solutions deployed in more than 30 countries.