TOULON : The French Navy has initiated a formal evaluation program to integrate advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) surveillance systems aboard its Mistral-class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs), aiming to strengthen detection, identification, and self-defense capabilities of its amphibious fleet. The trials are underway at the Toulon naval base and involve parallel testing of two different sensor systems installed on separate ships of the class.
Visual confirmation from the port and statements from naval authorities indicate that the lead ship Mistral (L9013) has been equipped with the CAT EYE H20 optronic system developed by French manufacturer Lerity, while Dixmude (L9015) is operating a TrakkaCam system supplied by TRAKKA Systems. The side-by-side evaluation is intended to support a future selection of a standardized solution for broader naval use.
Program Scope and Objectives
The French Navy describes the installations as part of an experimental program designed to assess EO/IR sensor performance in maritime conditions. The evaluation focuses on surface and low-altitude air surveillance, long-range visual identification, and continuous operation in day, night, and reduced-visibility environments.
In addition to the Mistral-class LHDs, the data collected during the trials is expected to inform a possible future upgrade of Floréal-class surveillance frigates. These vessels are routinely deployed for overseas presence missions, maritime security patrols, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) monitoring, where passive electro-optical detection is considered increasingly important.
A significant element of the program is the adaptation of systems originally designed for fixed or land-based use to shipboard operations. In the case of the CAT EYE H20, the French Navy is supporting Lerity in modifying a sensor already in widespread service at coastal surveillance posts (sémaphores). This represents the first shipborne deployment of the CAT EYE system and requires enhanced stabilization, maritime environmental protection, and integration with naval command systems to account for vessel motion and sea conditions.
CAT EYE H20 on Mistral
The CAT EYE H20 is a new-generation optronic surveillance system unveiled publicly at Euronaval 2024 and later presented at MADEX 2025 in South Korea. The system is designed to provide persistent long-range observation in both daylight and low-light conditions.
From an elevated shipboard position, the CAT EYE H20 is assessed to offer effective surveillance ranges of up to approximately 40 kilometers during daytime and around 20 kilometers at night, depending on atmospheric conditions. The sensor suite integrates visible-spectrum cameras and thermal imagers, supported by synchronized active illumination to ensure continuous 24-hour coverage.
A key feature under evaluation is range-gating technology, which improves performance in maritime environments affected by fog, rain, haze, or sea spray. By limiting backscatter from active illumination, the system enhances target contrast and clarity in degraded visibility.
The system architecture is designed to support embedded artificial intelligence functions, including automated detection, tracking, and classification of multiple contacts simultaneously. These functions are intended to reduce operator workload and improve reaction times during complex surveillance tasks.
TrakkaCam System on Dixmude
The EO/IR system installed aboard Dixmude is assessed by analysts to be the TrakkaCam TC-375M, TRAKKA Systems’ naval-specific variant, although the French Navy has not formally confirmed the model designation. The system integrates multispectral sensors, including high-definition visible and infrared cameras, within a single line-replaceable unit (LRU).
The TrakkaCam is designed for sustained operation in harsh maritime environments and has been environmentally tested for resistance to saltwater corrosion, vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference. These characteristics are critical for reliable performance on large surface combatants and amphibious vessels.
The system is optimized for a broad mission set, including search and rescue operations, counter-piracy patrols, exclusive economic zone surveillance, and interdiction of illicit trafficking. Such missions align closely with the operational roles routinely assigned to Mistral-class LHDs during overseas deployments.
Operational Context and Fleet Developments
The introduction of advanced EO/IR sensors reflects changing operational requirements for large naval platforms. Amphibious ships increasingly operate in environments where small, low-signature surface contacts and low-altitude aerial systems present detection challenges for conventional radar, particularly in cluttered littoral waters.
EO/IR systems provide a passive means of surveillance, allowing ships to detect and identify contacts without emitting electromagnetic signals. This capability supports operations conducted under emissions control (EMCON) conditions and reduces the risk of early detection by adversaries equipped with electronic surveillance systems.
High-resolution optical and thermal imagery also enables long-range visual identification, supporting command decisions in congested maritime areas where civilian and military traffic may be intermingled.
The current trials build on earlier French Navy initiatives to strengthen fleet-wide electro-optical capabilities. Previous operational requirements led to the installation of Safran Paseo XLR systems on FREMM frigates and Horizon-class air-defense destroyers, reflecting lessons learned from recent maritime security operations.
By extending similar evaluation efforts to amphibious assault ships, the French Navy is applying the same sensor enhancement approach to its projection and support vessels, alongside frontline combatants.
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