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.
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.