Tayfun Ozberk and Nathan Gain contributed to this story.
In response to the escalating threat posed by kamikaze unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and unmanned air vehicles (UAV), the French Navy has issued an “urgent operational requirement” to fit Safran Electronics and Defense’s PASEO XLR extra long-range naval optronic identification & fire control system on all its first rank vessels. The move is a direct “RETEX” (return of experience) of the situation in the Red Sea. The repeated Houthi rebels attacks prompted the swift response to enhance the defense capabilities of the FREMM frigates and Forbin-class destroyers.
The information first surfaced in late February during a media briefing with Alexandre Lahousse, Head of the Industrial Affairs and Economic Intelligence Department (S2IE) at the French defense procurement agency (DGA): “We are going to install electro optic gimbals on our frigates, they will help with detection, identification and adaptation of the response when our ships are facing various threats”. Lahousse added this is a direct return of experience from current situation in the Red Sea. “A prototyping was conducted in December on of the frigates now deployed there and the DGA signed a contract in February to equip all frigates.” Lahousse concluded, highlighting it took just three months to award the contract to Safran. Lahousse confirmed to Naval News‘ Nathan Gain that the system in question is the PASEO XLR by Safran Electronics and Defense.
Naval News understands that the first FREMM frigate to receive the PASEO XLR is the first of the air defense variant (FREMM DA) Alsace (D656). The frigate joined the Red Sea in January 2024. Safran fitted the PASEO XLR system over the winter break, between Christmas and New Year, in record time.
Meanwhile, on 9 March 2024, the French air defense frigate destroyed a number of UAVs using its 76mm main gun. This was likely a first as previous engagements by both Languedoc (which hased been deployed on location since the end of November but just came back to her homeport in Toulon) and Alsace involved ASTER missiles. The destruction of the UAVs by gun fire was likely possible (or at least eased) thanks to the PASEO XLR (and the STIR fire control radar fitted on both FREMM DA ships).
Toulon-based ship spotter Hervé Dermoune recently spotted Alsace‘s sistership, Lorraine (D657), fitted with the PASEO XLR. The system is fitted on top of the helicopter hangar.
Meanwhile, Horizon type air defense destroyer Chevalier Paul was seen with scaffolding on its main mast. This is likely means that work is underway to install the advanced EO/IR system. It also highlights the commitment to rapidly modernize the fleet and enhance its capabilities against the emerging UAV/USV threat. FREMM frigate were fitted so far with dated EO/IR systems based on 1990ies technology which didn’t really allow the identification of threats at long range.
Speaking to Naval News‘ Tayfun Ozberk during DIMDEX 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Yannick Hontarrede, Export Sales Manager at Safran, explained that PASEO XLR plays a key role in identifying and discriminating targets from extended ranges, allowing the ships sufficient time to deploy effective countermeasures. This capability is essential for ensuring the safety and security of naval vessels navigating through high-risk areas.
“An important feature of the Paseo XLR is its versatility in operating across different wavelengths, providing reliable identification capabilities under various meteorological conditions, both day and night. This adaptability ensures that the naval fleet remains effective and resilient in the face of diverse operational challenges, contributing to the overall readiness of the French Navy.”
Yannick Hontarrede, the Export Sales Manager of Safran
The project scope involves fitting Paseo XLR on a total of 8 FREMM (Aquitaine) and 2 Horizon-class frigates. According to Hontarrede, Safran’s prompt delivery of the first system led to the French Navy extending the contract to include additional ships. Additionally, the success of the initial deployment prompted the acceleration of the development program for the Horizon-class destroyers by six months, highlighting the effectiveness and significance of Safran’s solution in addressing the evolving maritime security landscape.
As naval forces continue to face dynamic and evolving threats, the collaboration between the French Navy and Safran is a testament to the importance of swift and effective responses to safeguard maritime assets. The deployment of the Paseo XLR system marks a crucial step in bolstering the naval defense capabilities, ensuring that the French fleet remains well-equipped to navigate the challenges posed by modern warfare and emerging threats in the maritime domain, particularly in high-risk areas such as Red Sea.
Check out our interview with Safran during DIMDEX 2024:
About Paseo XLR
Specifically designed for operations in extreme naval environments, PASEO XLR comprises a high-performance gyrostabilized platform providing an accurate line of sight, a wide set of imagers with continuous zoom and high-power telescopes, and an eye-safe laser range finder.
PASEO XLR allows manual or automatic sector surveillance, automatic target tracking, visual identification, laser ranging, and transmission or reception of 3D target data. When fitted with its optional ballistic computer, PASEO XLR is able to simultaneously control several guns of different calibers to ensure high-accuracy gun firing.
Integrated into a Combat Management System or operated in a stand-alone mode, PASEO XLR allows manual or automatic sector surveillance, automatic target tracking, visual identification, and transmission or reception of 3D target designation information. PASEO XLR can simultaneously control several guns of different calibers.
PASEO XLR is currently fitted on the Philippine Navy’s frigates (and upcoming corvettes) built by Hyundai Heavy Industries and on the Indian Navy aircraft carrier Vikrant.
