PARIS — Safran Electronics & Defense unveiled a new range of Euroflir 410 optronics systems on Monday at the Paris Air Show. The kit to be fitted on the Patroller tactical UAV ordered for the French Army.
The three versions of the modular optronics ball will be equipped for surveillance, marking and designation, with the latter using laser to guide an air-to-ground weapon to the target.
Safran promotes the system as being built outside the scope of the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and drawing on lessons learned by the French Army, Navy and special forces. The U.S. State Department ITAR regulates the export and import of defense articles and services.
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Safran will pitch the system for use on fixed-wing planes, helicopters, UAVs and aerostats. It was advertised that the kit would be on display on the company stand, the French Ministry of Armed Forces chalet and on the Patroller UAV on static display.
Safran signed in April 2016 a contract to supply the Patroller, which is due to enter service this year. The deal for 14 units, including 12 years' maintenance, was worth some €300 million (U.S. $336 million), French media previously reported.
Safran was awarded a closely fought tender that included an offer of the Watchkeeper drone from Thales, an electronics specialist.
