France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) has just ordered for the French Army 450 JIM LR (Long Range) multifunction infrared rangefinders from Sagem (Safran Group). The order also includes 430 tactical portable MEPS 08P monitors and 90 ROSS (1) teleoperated systems, plus maintenance spares for armed-forces. The matériel will be delivered during the first semester 2010.

 

Built on the combined know-how of Sagem and its Swiss subsidiary Vectronix, JIM LR contains several functions in one sole tactical and portable unit: daytime and infrared vision, telemetry, laser pointer, orientation GPS, data transmission, etc. Ergonomic and highly integrated, it provides forces with enhanced operational capabilities, ie threat detection, target designation and intelligence-gathering for the command and contact units. JIM LR is interoperable with FELIN (2) and contributes to battlespace digitization.

The MEPS 08P terminals will enable remote control of the JIM LRs, thus proving protection from threats.

With this order the number of JIM LRs ordered by France has risen to 600. They are all part of the framework contract for 850 pieces of equipment awarded to Sagem by the DGA in January 2006. Several NATO countries also use several hundred JIM LRs for intelligence, combat support and border surveillance.