► Safran and MSI-Defence Systems sign a Franco-British collaboration on counter-drone turret systems

Paris, France – November 4, 2026

Safran Electronics & Defense and MSI-Defence Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop and promote counter-drone (C-UAS) systems integrating Safran Electronics & Defense’s optronic sights on MSI-Defence Systems’ SEAHAWK naval and TERRAHAWK land gun systems. This Franco-British collaboration combines the expertise of both companies to serve NATO armed forces and international customers. The collaboration has already generated concrete results, with MSI-Defence Systems securing an initial contract from a NATO European navy.

Under this contract, Safran Electronics & Defense will equip advanced sighting systems for MSI-Defence Systems’ SEAHAWK DS30M 30 mm gun mounts aboard mine countermeasure vessels, with deliveries in 2027. Each mount will incorporate VIGEO, a naval version of Safran Electronics & Defense’s proven stabilized gunner sight adapted for maritime operations.

Mounted directly on the gun, offering day/night target acquisition, laser ranging, and fire control, VIGEO is part of a comprehensive family alongside PASEO and VIGY 4 for counter-drone missions. Integrated with kinetic or laser-guided effectors, these systems provide crews with complete threat detection, tracking, and neutralization capabilities. Beyond this first contract, the collaboration covers both land and naval gun systems. MSI-Defence Systems will be able to offer its customers the full family of Safran Electronics & Defense sights, the “eyes” of the turret that let crews detect, identify and engage targets by day and by night.

The portfolio extends from compact targeting sights to advanced long-range surveillance and fire control systems, rounded out by Skyjacker—a counter-drone system that neutralizes unmanned threats through jamming or remote takeover capabilities. Armed forces can choose the solution best suited to each mission, from simple, affordable sights for large fleets to the most advanced long-range systems.

“Building on our experience with armored vehicles, we are pleased to bring our sights to sea with MSI-Defence Systems. Designed to be platform-agnostic, they adapt to any turret, on land or at sea, and bring real ISR capability to every gun they equip. Crews gain a clear view of their surroundings and the means to act quickly and precisely, whatever the conditions.” said Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defense Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. John Meldrum, Managing Director at MSI-Defence Systems said: “We are delighted to announce our joint effort with Safran Electronics & Defense to pool our decades’ worth of combat proven experience with gunfire technology with Safran’s expertise in the land and naval markets. This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international collaborations that support combat proven air defence. We are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Safran Electronics & Defense, as our Anglo-French collaboration to help deliver the evolving requirements of our existing and future customers around the world.” John added: “The recent NATO naval contract award reinforces SEAHAWK’s long-established position as a capable, reliable and trusted naval weapon system. Being selected for a second major European programme in a very short period is a significant endorsement of the system’s performance and MSI-DS’s ability to remain on the leading edge of combating modern threats.”