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
-
![How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?]()
How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
-
![How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate]()
How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
