Sagem (Safran group) has signed a contract with French naval shipyard DCNS, under the French defence procurement agency DGA as contracting authority, for the modernisation of fire control systems on six Floréal class surveillance frigates. The modernisation will be based on Sagem’s new-generation Electro-Optical Multifunction System (EOMS-NG).

Developed and produced by Sagem, the EOMS-NG is a high-performance optronic system. It is a single unit, integrating daynight IRST (infrared search and track) type passive panoramic observation, identification, tracking and fire control. It will be operated from a dedicated work station of the operations room.

Replacing the current Najir optronic system, the EOMS-NG will provide fire control for the Floréal class ships’ 100mm gun, their main artillery piece, and will contribute to their tactical situation awareness and the self-defense of the ship. The system features very short reaction time between detection and engagement, and is particularly well suited to fighting piracy and illicit traffic. Its panoramic observation concept is the equivalent of 100 fixed cameras.

This contract from DCNS, prime contractor for the modernisation of the fire control system on Floréal class frigates, is a significant success for Sagem’s new range of shipborne optronic systems. The first Floréal class frigate will be outfitted by the end of 2012.