Safran Electronics & Defense is taking a major step forward in its inertial navigation strategy by grouping two subsidiaries, Safran Colibrys (Switzerland) and the recently acquired Sensonor (Norway), under a single banner, Safran Sensing Technologies.
The similarities in expertise, market position, customers and technologies result in a clear process of synergy between these two companies, renowned worldwide for the quality and precision of their accelerometers, gyrometers and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS)-based. The creation of Safran Sensing Technologies illustrates Safran’s commitment to developing its micro-sensor business through these two companies.
The ambition is to jointly offer an ever wider, more coherent, innovative and comprehensive range of inertial technologies (vibrating sensors, optics, MEMS) for all types of applications in aeronautics, defense, new space, new mobilities, industry, etc. This strategy will contribute to preserve the independence and industrial control of these predominantly electronic technologies in Europe. In this field, many markets are emerging such as those for new mobility, vehicle autonomy or even space, and the quantities to be produced are increasing sharply.
The two subsidiaries have already delivered more than 20 million MEMS sensors to the aeronautics, defense, space, transport, new mobility, industry sectors. For example, MEMS are found in the control accelerometers of the very first airbags, in the high temperature accelerometers for guiding drill heads or in seismic sensors measuring the structural health of buildings or civil engineering works, and finally in inertial measurement units for civil, military and space vehicles.
This operation is part of a broader Safran Electronics & Defense strategy designed to strengthen the company’s position in the market for resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions.
According to Martin Sion, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense: “In this increasingly competitive market constantly being renewed. Our objective is to strengthen the consistency and complementarity of our offer to develop new applications by relying on our extensive expertise in the fields of MEMS and electronics.”
The two entities have been renamed Safran Sensing Technologies Norway AS and Safran Sensing Technologies Switzerland SA, respectively.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible.
Safran has a global presence, with 76,800 employees and sales of 15.3 billion euros in 2021, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Electronics & Defense is a world leader in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software for civil and defense applications. The company’s products are deployed worldwide on more than 1,000 ships, 25,000 armored vehicles and 10,000 aircraft.
