Safran sensor for RAN’s OPVs
Safran Electronics & Defense’s Vigy Engage electro-optic sensor has been selected by Saab Australia as part of the situational awareness system for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Sea 1180 Project, the company announced on 4 September.
The RAN’s Sea 1180 Project is building 12 offshore patrol vessels to replace existing Armidale-class patrol boats.
The Vigy Engage is a light, panoramic, multi-sensor shipboard electro-optic system that includes a cooled infrared imager, video channels and a laser rangefinder. Employing advanced stabilistion techniques, the system provides clear images day or night, including in rough seas and at high speed.
Capable of detecting long-range targets, Vigy Engage will provide a decisive advantage to the RAN in asymmetrical environments such as protection of ports and infrastructures, maritime police, anti-terrorist and anti-piracy missions.
It will also provide assistance in operations such as fishing and economic zone protection, navigation aid and assistance to ships and crews at sea.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
