Safran displays its latest defense technologies for Special Operations Forces

During this month’s SOF Week national convention, Safran exhibited a wide range of innovations designed to help military forces meet their mission requirements, including vision, targeting and geolocation systems.

This national convention (which previously was known as SOFIC – the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference) is dedicated to Special Operations Forces (SOF). The first SOF Week gathering in its new format took place earlier this month at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.

SOF Week is a key event for Safran Optics 1, which this year joined forces with Safran Electronics & Defense affiliate Orolia Defense & Security to present an expanded product offering. Orolia Defense & Security (which was acquired by Safran in 2022) provides resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, U.S. defense organizations, and their contractors.

Optics 1 highlighted its full range of electro-optical dismounted soldier systems, including night vision enhancement and visual augmentation systems; laser systems; and reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting systems. Among the highlights of this year was Optics 1’s latest device called TAD (Thermal Augmentation Device) – which easily attaches to existing Night Vision Devices (NVDs) to increase threat detection and situational awareness.

Also featured on Safran’s booth at SOF Week was the Geonyx™ Land true-inertial navigation, target geolocation & artillery pointing system – designed for navigation, geolocation and equipment pointing. It is the most compact, robust and reliable inertial navigation system on the market.

For the first time during SOF Week, Optics 1 partnered with Persistent Systems, LLC to stream reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting systems (HRTV and Stalker) to the show floor. Additionally, Octo-oLabs utilized AI solutions to process data from various Optics 1 devices during the show.

Resilient PNT solutions displayed by Orolia Defense & Security include VersaPNT, an all-in-one Positioning, Navigation and Timing Device; VersaSync, a Rugged GPS Time & Frequency Reference; BroadSim Solo, a single-output software-defined GNSS simulator; and CPNT, a CMOSS PNT card.

Consistent with its commitment to support non-profit organizations that seek to improve the lives of veterans and military families, Optics 1 once again sponsored the Sterling Promise Foundation’s fundraiser during SOF Week. This foundation is dedicated to ensuring that veterans are able to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives following their careers in the US Army Special Operations – with the emphasis on early cancer screenings and awareness campaigns.

The Sterling Promise Foundation exists to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Scott Sterling, who passed away in April 2021 after a heroic battle with colorectal cancer. Scott served in the 75th Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.