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.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays]()
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
