Safran Electronics & Defense and MSI-Defence Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop and promote counter-drone (C-UAS) systems. The Franco-British collaboration combines the capabilities of both companies to serve NATO armed forces and international customers by integrating Safran Electronics & Defense's optronic sights onto MSI-Defence Systems' SEAHAWK naval and TERRAHAWK land gun systems.
The agreement has already produced an initial contract awarded to MSI-Defence Systems by a NATO European navy. Under this contract, Safran Electronics & Defense will supply advanced sighting systems for MSI-Defence Systems' SEAHAWK DS30M 30 mm gun mounts aboard mine countermeasure vessels, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. Each mount will be equipped with VIGEO, a navalized, stabilized gunner sight mounted directly to the gun to deliver day and night target acquisition, laser ranging, and fire control.
Beyond the initial naval contract, the collaboration encompasses both land and naval gun systems. MSI-Defence Systems will offer its customers Safran's full range of sights, including the VIGEO, PASEO, and VIGY 4 systems, as well as Skyjacker, a counter-drone system that neutralizes unmanned threats using jamming or remote takeover capabilities.
Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defense Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense, stated that the platform-agnostic sights bring ISR capabilities and precise day-and-night targeting to turrets on land and at sea. John Meldrum, Managing Director at MSI-Defence Systems, noted that the joint effort pools decades of combat-proven gunfire experience with Safran's market expertise, adding that the recent NATO contract selection marks a significant endorsement of SEAHAWK's capabilities.
Also reported by Unmanned Airspace
