09:40 GMT, October 16, 2009 Koksijde base | The new Sagem Advanced Panoramic Sight (SAPS), developed and produced by Sagem (Safran group) was presented for the first time during the NATO demonstration Belcoast 09*. It was deployed in various operational scenarios for these trials, designed to demonstrate “protection of critical infrastructures”.

SAPS is a single gyrostabilized optronic system combining surveillance and land/air engagement functions, from short to long range. Its suite of video, infrared and laser sensors supports the continuous, instantaneous and simultaneous surveillance of several threats, day or night. SAPS is connected to a Sigma 10 navigation system, also by Sagem, and incorporates a single- and multi-operator station designed to facilitate tactical decision-making.

Mounted on an all-terrain vehicle for this demonstration, the SAPS system demonstrated its ability to detect and identify different asymmetrical threats under all weather conditions: foot soldiers, sharpshooters, light aircraft, drones, vehicles and fast landing craft.

SAPS is designed to meet emerging protection and engagement requirements. It offers enhanced operability and is easily integrated in info-centric warfare systems. Its open architecture allows the easy sharing of information between system operators and tactical or theater-level command units. Installed in vehicles or fixed stations, SAPS calls on Sagem’s proven technologies for optronics and panoramic sights for armored vehicles.

During the NATO Belcoast 09 exercises, Sagem also deployed several infrared imagers, including its JIM LR, Matis AP and Vigilens models.


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* Belcoast 09, from October 5 to 15, is organized by the defense investment division of NATO and the Belgian Ministry of Defense. It is a multinational demonstration that aims to evaluate new technologies and equipment for defense and homeland security applications.