SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn., July 23 (UPI) -- Minnesota-based Digital Angel (NASDAQ:DIGA)'s Sabre division has received approval from the international satellite-based distress signal system Cospas-Sarsat.

Digital Angel announced its Sabre advanced aircrew personal locator beacon technology received the Cospas-Sarsat approval. Officials say the Sabre personal locator beacon, developed with joint funding from the Air Force, is the first to receive Cospas-Sarsat certification since outdated AN/URT-33 survival radio technology began being phased out.

The Cospas-Sarsat satellite network assists search-and-rescue and distress signals from aircraft and ground facilities. Military aircrews, among others, are deployed with personal locator beacons in case of an emergency.

"We expect to see strong demand for the Aircrew Personal Locator Beacon," Joseph Grillo, Digital Angel chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"It is estimated that worldwide over 15,000 units will be purchased in the next 12 months."