Egyptian Navy selects Safran for Advanced Optronic and navigation systems on new patrol vessels.

According to a PR published by Safran on November 4, 2024, the Egyptian Navy has announced its decision to equip ten Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with advanced optronic and navigation systems developed by Safran. This deal, spearheaded by NVL Egypt—a joint venture between Lürssen and the Government of Egypt—integrates Safran's VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems into the Egyptian Navy’s fleet modernization plan.
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The Egyptian Navy partners with Safran to equip its new Offshore Patrol Vessels with VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems, enhancing maritime defense capabilities and mission precision. (Picture source: Safran)

The VIGY 4 is a compact, stabilized, long-range panoramic observation and sighting system tailored for detecting, identifying, and tracking potential threats. Equipped with advanced SWIR (Short Wave InfraRed) technology, VIGY 4 allows superior visibility even in challenging conditions, such as low light or fog. Furthermore, it is adaptable for small- and medium-caliber weapon systems, adding a new level of precision to Egypt's OPVs.

Meanwhile, the Argonyx inertial navigation system, powered by Safran's innovative HRG Crystal gyroscope technology, provides essential navigational data with high accuracy. This advanced navigation solution is specifically designed to perform in GNSS-denied environments, ensuring robust functionality when satellite navigation signals are unavailable.

The Egyptian Navy has been actively modernizing its fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) through a mix of international acquisitions and domestic shipbuilding efforts to enhance maritime security and operational capabilities.

Egypt has received multiple vessels from Germany's Lürssen, which included both 60-meter and 40-meter coastal patrol craft, enhancing its coastal defense and surveillance capabilities. The Navy also secured additional vessels from Swiftships, with plans for seven new 28-meter Coastal Patrol Craft. These smaller vessels, powered by CAT diesel engines, are suited for high-speed operations and are armed with 12.7mm machine guns, focusing on a variety of coastal defense and maritime security roles.

Domestically, Egypt has advanced several projects in collaboration with Germany’s Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) shipbuilding group. The CC-60 Compact Combatant, introduced at the EDEX 2021, is a highly versatile 60-meter vessel with advanced systems, including 3D radar, electronic warfare measures, and a substantial suite of weaponry such as a 76mm gun, remote-controlled weapon stations, anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-air missile launchers. The CC-60 also offers anti-submarine warfare capabilities and can accommodate both UAVs and light helicopters.

In addition, Egypt has developed the PV-43 HRM, a 43-meter OPV modeled after the Croatian OOB-31. This vessel is available in patrol and missile boat configurations. The patrol version is equipped with machine guns, a 30mm remotely-controlled gun, and electro-optical systems for surveillance, while the missile variant includes advanced radar, electronic countermeasures, and anti-ship missiles, broadening its utility for coastal and open-sea defense operations.