Sagem producing thermal imagers South African military vehicles

PARIS, June 19 (UPI) -- South Africa's Denel Land Systems has contracted Sagem of France to provide thermal imagers for South Africa's Badger Infantry fighting vehicles.

Sagem, in an announcement from an international defense exhibition in Paris, said it will supply three types of its MATIS infrared imagers for use on various variants of Badger, which are being fitted with different types of turrets.

"Sagem designed the MATIS family of thermal imagers to meet the most demanding operational needs of combat platforms for armies, navies and air forces," Sagem said. "These imagers offer the capabilities needed to carry out observation, reconnaissance, identification and engagement missions."

The value of the contract was not disclosed. Sagem, however, said final integration, testing and support services for the imagers will be conducted in South Africa by Afrimeasure, Sagem's local partner.

About 6,000 MATIS imagers have been manufactured by Sagem and are in service in France and elsewhere, the company said.

The number of units to be produced under the Denel contract was not disclosed.

The Badger armored vehicle Denel is building for South Africa is based on an armored vehicle by Patria of Finland.