Safran’s PASEO XLR for French Navy frigates
Safran Electronics & Defense’s PASEO XLR extra long range sighting system has been selected by Naval Group for the French Navy’s Frégate de Taille Intermédiaire (FTI) frigate programme, the company announced on 20 March.
Five 4,000-ton FTIs are to be delivered to the navy starting in 2023.
Safran's PASEO XLR system provides a very long range identification capability, especially valuable in the context of asymmetric combat, where front-line ships are called on to operate near coastlines and may engage small vessels showing suspicious behaviour. The system allows ships to determine these vessels' intentions at a range enabling the frigate to activate its self-defence system.
The PASEO XLR features a stabilised turret from the New Generation Laser Attachment Assistance Device deck-landing aid device designed for the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, and cameras with very high magnification.
It also includes a high-definition TV channel, including a powerful telescope and a very-long-range Satis XLR infrared imager, and an eyesafe laser rangefinder. A shortwave infrared channel is offered as an option, to enhance performance in foggy conditions.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
