Safran Electronics and Defense

What Safran Electronics and Defense does

Safran Electronics & Defense is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Safran S.A. (Euronext Paris: SAF) and operates as a high-tech equipment Tier-1 supplier across aerospace, defense, and space domains. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and supports optronics (EUROFLIR 410, VAMPIR NG, PASEO family), inertial navigation and resilient PNT (GEONYX, Argonyx, SIGMA 30N, BlackNaute, SecureSync, White Rabbit), avionics and actuation (FADEC 3, HSTA), counter-UAS and defense electronic-warfare systems (Land OmniGuard, Skydel NAVWAR, Skydex NAVWAR, Skyjacker, eTAD), and space propulsion (PPS X00). Underlying technology combines electro-optical, ring-laser-gyro inertial, GNSS-denied navigation, precision timing, and embedded edge-AI capabilities (Advanced Cognitive Engine, Safran.AI, quantum-enabled Tiqker/White Rabbit timing). Approximately 19,000 employees operate from France and across five continents, supported by joint ventures and production transfers in India, the UAE, South Korea, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and Singapore.

Name

Safran Electronics and Defense

Legal name

Safran Electronics & Defense

Website

https://safran-electronics-defense.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Safran Electronics & Defense designs and manufactures optronics, inertial navigation, resilient PNT, avionics, counter-UAS, and space-propulsion equipment for armed forces, civil airlines, satellite manufacturers, and defense primes worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense & Aerospace Electronics

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/IMU) (IMABAFAB), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK)

Keywords

• Defense electronics equipment
• Inertial navigation systems
• Optronics surveillance systems
• Precision timing technology
• Aerospace avionics components

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Prairie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Equipment and Systems: Design, development, and production of military equipment including optronics, inertial navigation systems, precision timing, guidance systems, radio frequency detection, and AI-powered defense solutions for armed forces globally.
2. Aerospace Avionics and Actuation: Aircraft electronic equipment, critical software (FADEC engine controls), and actuation systems for civil and military aviation platforms.
3. Space Systems and Propulsion: Spacecraft propulsion systems, satellite navigation, and space surveillance technologies for space agencies and satellite manufacturers.
4. Defense Support and MRO Services: Maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, customer support portals, and lifecycle support for installed defense and aerospace systems.
5. Technology Licensing and Transfer: Production transfer agreements and licensing arrangements for localized manufacturing, such as SIGMA 30N production in India through IOL partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Safran Electronics & Defense designs, develops, manufactures, and supports high-technology equipment including optronics (electro-optical surveillance and targeting systems), inertial navigation and precision timing (PNT) solutions, avionics and flight control systems, counter-UAS and electronic warfare systems, and spacecraft electric propulsion for civil and military customers. Products are deployed across land, sea, air, and space domains on platforms such as tanks, helicopters, submarines, fighter jets, artillery, satellites, and commercial aircraft. The company supplements its hardware with embedded AI software (Advanced Cognitive Engine), geospatial AI analytics (Safran.AI), and global MRO/lifecycle support services.

Product overview

Safran Electronics & Defense is a high-tech equipment manufacturer serving civil and military players in aerospace, defense, and space sectors across land, sea, air, and space domains. The company operates a diversified portfolio organized around five core product lines: (1) Optronics and electro-optical systems (EUROFLIR, VAMPIR NG, PASEO, PASEO XLR) providing surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance; (2) Inertial navigation and resilient PNT (GEONYX, Argonyx, SIGMA 30N, BlackNaute, SecureSync, White Rabbit) enabling GPS-denied navigation and precision timing; (3) Avionics and actuation (FADEC 3, HSTA) for aircraft engine control and flight control; (4) Defense and counter-UAS systems (Land OmniGuard, Skyjacker, Skydel NAVWAR, Skydex NAVWAR, eTAD) for threat detection and electronic warfare; and (5) Space propulsion (PPS X00) for satellite electric propulsion. The company also offers AI-powered geospatial intelligence through Safran.AI (formerly Preligens), with the Advanced Cognitive Engine embedding real-time target detection across its hardware. Products range from large-scale naval and aerial optronic platforms to individual components like inertial navigation units and fire control sights, supported by global manufacturing and MRO operations across five continents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• EUROFLIR 410 Airborne electro-optical (optronic) equipment and sight system for aerial platforms providing long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, designed for defense and security operators.
• FADEC 3 Third-generation Full Authority Digital Engine Control system providing aircraft electronic equipment and critical software for engine management and control across civil and military platforms.
• HSTA (Horizontal Stabilizer Trim Actuator) Horizontal Stabilizer Trim Actuator for aircraft flight control and stabilization, deployed on platforms including the Airbus A350.
• Geospatial AI (Safran.AI) Artificial intelligence platform providing geospatial intelligence capabilities by analyzing satellite imagery and aerial data for defense and environmental monitoring applications.
• PPS X00 Stationary Plasma Thruster Stationary plasma thruster for space propulsion applications, providing electric propulsion capability for satellites.
• SecureSync Time Synchronization System Time synchronization system providing GPS-disciplined synchronization for commercial infrastructure and M-Code enabled timing for military operations requiring high security and accuracy; over 50,000 units delivered globally.
• Land OmniGuard Counter-Drone System Integrated counter-drone system for land vehicles combining passive surveillance, AI, and resilient navigation to detect, identify, classify, track, and support neutralization of drone threats without emitting signals.
• SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System Combat-proven inertial navigation system for artillery, air defense, missiles, and anti-drone applications, including production transfer to India via IOL partnership.
• HAMMER Precision-Guided Weapon System Precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system (GPS/INS-guided munition) deployed on Rafale fighter jets and Tejas combat platforms; subject of BEL-Safran JV for manufacturing in India.
• eTAD Thermal Clip-On System Next-generation thermal clip-on system designed to attach to standard night vision goggles, integrating advanced navigation, augmented reality, and command-and-control functions for enhanced soldier battlefield vision.
• Skydel NAVWAR Software-based counter-UAV solution that disrupts unmanned aerial vehicle navigation by simulating authentic GNSS signals across GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou; deployable across airports, government facilities, naval fleets, and border security.
• Skydex NAVWAR Software solution enabling third-party integrators to develop sovereign spoofing counter-UAS platforms using their own hardware; derived from Safran's Skyjacker system, supporting GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, and LEO positioning signals.
• PASEO Stabilized Optronic System Stabilized optronic sight system deployed on naval and land defense platforms, providing observation, sighting, and targeting capabilities.
• GEONYX Resilient Navigation Component High-performance inertial navigation component for land vehicles and naval vessels providing resilient navigation in GPS-denied environments; production increased sevenfold between 2022 and 2026.
• Argonyx Inertial Navigation System Inertial navigation system for naval applications supplied to the Colombian Offshore Patrol Vessel fleet through partnership with COTECMAR.
• Quantum Precision Timing Solution Quantum-enabled precision timing solution combining Infleqtion's Tiqker optical clock with Safran's White Rabbit and SecureSync systems, achieving picosecond-level accuracy in GNSS-challenged environments; available globally to defense, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure sectors.
• Advanced Cognitive Engine (ACE) Embedded edge AI platform enabling real-time target detection and cognitive processing capabilities across Safran's defense hardware portfolio for ISR and surveillance applications.
• Safran.AI (formerly Preligens) AI analytics subsidiary delivering geospatial AI capabilities combining satellite imagery with AI models for defense surveillance and environmental monitoring.
• Support By the Hour MRO Services Long-term MRO and component pooling services for commercial aviation customers, including a nine-year Support By the Hour contract with Japan Airlines for the Airbus A350 fleet.

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability12 records

Feature17 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• SatSurestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026MOU to jointly develop geospatial intelligence solutions for Indian market. Combines Safran.AI's AI capabilities with SatSure's satellite data and geospatial analytics for defense and environmental monitoring.
• HemeriastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026MOU signed at Eurosatory 2026 to develop AI-powered stratospheric balloon platform for electromagnetic intelligence and electronic warfare. Platform capable of detecting, classifying, and analyzing radar emissions from high altitudes without routing raw data to ground stations.
• TheoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Joint venture for electro-optical and infrared systems for military drones. Combines Safran's ISR and stabilized gimbal expertise with Theon's advanced sensor technologies. Target: lightweight gimbals under 8 kg for affordable mass deployment.
• BaykarstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2026Strategic partnership to develop integrated solutions for drones and smart weapons. Co-developing operational systems for UAVs and air-to-ground missions, enhancing Baykar's TB2 drones with Safran's observation and navigation technologies.
• InfleqtionstrategicTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2026Quantum-enabled precision timing solution combining Infleqtion's Tiqker optical clock with Safran's White Rabbit and SecureSync systems. Achieved picosecond-level accuracy in live demonstration with Quantum Corridor for GNSS-challenged environments.
• DaherminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2026Two new logistics contracts awarded: warehouse management for Safran Nacelles in Hamburg, and MRO/AOG platform for Safran Electronics & Defense in Île-de-France region.
• Hanwha Ocean / Canadian Patrol Submarine ProjectstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2026Tri-party agreement with Canadian companies for submarine technology development. Safran Trusted 4D Canada contributing to Canada's CPSP with focus on AI-enabled naval systems and underwater acoustics.
• MetavonicsstrategicTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2026Investment through Safran Corporate Ventures in French startup for safety-critical avionics technologies. Partnership agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for modular certified electronic components and software tools.
• CentraleSupélec / BITS PilaniminorOthers · 19 February 2026Two-year MoU supporting joint Computer Science and AI bachelor's program. Safran provides study projects, case studies, hackathons, site visits, internships, mentoring, workshops, and conferences. 2+2 format between BITS Pilani India and CentraleSupélec Paris-Saclay.
• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 202650:50 joint venture established for manufacturing and maintaining HAMMER precision-guided weapon system guidance kits. Centre of Excellence for production, maintenance, and repair. Supports Indian Air Force and Navy.
• Syntony GNSScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2026Agreement to acquire 100% of Syntony GNSS share capital, expanding portfolio of resilient PNT products for GNSS-denied environments. Creates integrated PNT stack with Safran's inertial navigation and Syntony's software-defined GNSS simulators, receivers, and underground coverage technology.
• EDGE GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026MoU signed in Abu Dhabi for smart weapons development including air-to-ground weapon systems and expansion into surface-to-air missile technology. Leverages Safran's defense expertise with EDGE's industrial scale.
• ST EngineeringstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 December 2025MOU expanding cooperation into defense sector for joint development, technology integration, and lifecycle support across multiple domains worldwide.
• India Optel Limited (IOL)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025Production transfer agreement for SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight. IOL handles manufacturing, assembly, testing, quality control, and lifecycle support for Indian Army.
• MBDA / THALES / CILAS (SYDERAL Consortium)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Consortium for SYDERAL high-power laser weapon demonstrator contracted by French DGA for demonstration by end of 2030. Safran Electronics & Defence part of consortium with THALES and CILAS.
• ETOBBminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2025South Korean company as first known partner to develop SPG-S GNSS Spoofer using Safran's Skydex NAVWAR software for sovereign spoofing counter-UAS platforms.
• COTECMARstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025Partnership formalized March 2025 with Colombian shipbuilder to supply ARGONYX Inertial Navigation System for Offshore Patrol Vessels. First sale for Colombian OPV fleet.
• IGG (International Gulf Group)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Joint venture 'Vision for Optronics & Navigation' created for UAE defense market, inaugurated at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
• Terran OrbitalstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023MOA signed June 2023 to jointly research and develop new generation of satellite electric propulsion systems, including establishing US-based manufacturing facility.
• OroliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2022Acquisition completed in July 2022, positioning Safran as leading provider of resilient PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) technologies. Orolia's high-performance solutions integrated with Safran's inertial navigation systems.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Leonardo: Italian aerospace and defense group with comparable avionics, navigation, and electro-optical systems business; one of the most direct European competitors in defense electronics and helicopter mission systems.
• Elbit Systems: Israeli defense electronics company with comparable optronics, navigation, and C4I offerings; Safran-Theon JV and EDGE collaboration indicate Elbit is one of the more active global bidders for similar sovereign defense electronics programs.
• Thales: French defense and aerospace electronics prime with overlapping avionics, optronics, missile electronics, and PNT portfolios; competes head-to-head in European defense procurement and is part of the SYDERAL high-power laser consortium with Safran.
• L3Harris Technologies: US defense electronics specialist with substantial PNT, timing, and resilient communications portfolios; competes most directly with Safran in resilient timing (SecureSync vs. L3Harris) and navigation categories.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Major US avionics and engine control supplier directly competing with Safran's FADEC and flight control systems on civil and military platforms; significant overlap in safety-critical aerospace electronics.

Broad incumbents

• BAE Systems: UK-headquartered global defense prime with electronic systems, avionics, and precision guidance offerings; overlaps with Safran in navigation, sensor suites, and electronic warfare categories.
• Northrop Grumman: US defense prime with strong positions in inertial navigation, space surveillance, and optronics; Safran's No. 1 worldwide in Space Surveillance RF Sensors sits in Northrop's competitive crosshairs for US and allied programs.
• RTX (Raytheon): US defense conglomerate encompassing Collins Aerospace avionics and Raytheon missiles; competes with Safran in flight controls, FADEC-style engine controls, and guided munition subsystems across both civil and military markets.

Emerging players

• Rheinmetall: German defense group expanding into defense electronics and sensor systems; competes with Safran in European land-platform and counter-UAS markets as it builds out an electronics portfolio to complement its vehicle and munitions businesses.
• Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: US supplier of rugged electronics, mission computing, and inertial measurement for aerospace and defense platforms; competes at the subsystem level with Safran in inertial navigation and safety-critical avionics computing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/safranelecdef
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/GroupeSafran
• Facebookfacebook.com/GroupeSafran
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/safran-electronics-defense-avionics-usa

Compliance24 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Safran Electronics and Defense