09:42 GMT, March 31, 2009 Paris | The SIGMA 40 inertial navigation system developed and produced by Sagem (SAFRAN Group) has been chosen over a field of international competitors for the Italian navy's new European Multi-Mission Frigates (FREMM). Sagem signed the contract, including logistic support services, with SELEX Sistemi Integrati (Finmeccanica Group), prime contractor for the ship's combat system.

Based on laser gyro technology, the Sagem SIGMA 40 navigation system will be integrated in the combat system. The high-precision SIGMA 40 will boost the performance of the ship's sensors and the efficiency of its self-defense systems.

The SIGMA 40 inertial system features simple operation and maintenance, a compact design and upgradeable hardware and software. It has already been selected by French naval shipyard DCNS for the FREMM frigates to be deployed by the French navy.

Sagem is also supplying the NGDS countermeasures system and the NAJIR optronic fire control system on these ships. Sagem's inertial navigation systems are now used on more than 300 surface vessels and submarines deployed by 31 navies worldwide.

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Backgrounder:

The European Multi-Mission Frigate, abbreviated FREMM, is a joint effort by Finmeccanica of Italy and DCNS of France. Incorporating highly innovative technologies, including stealth capability, FREMM frigates are front-line combat ships.