World Defense

Safran Launches Land OmniGuard Integrated Counter-Drone System for Mobile Ground Forces

Safran Launches Land OmniGuard Integrated Counter-Drone System for Mobile Ground Forces

ARIS, — June 20, 2026 : Safran Electronics & Defense has unveiled Land OmniGuard, a new vehicle-mounted counter-drone system designed to protect mobile ground forces from increasingly complex unmanned aerial threats. Introduced at Eurosatory 2026, the system combines passive surveillance, advanced optronics, embedded artificial intelligence, and resilient navigation technologies to detect, identify, track, and support the neutralization of hostile drones in operational environments.

Land OmniGuard has been developed as a fully integrated end-to-end solution capable of operating while on the move. The system is designed to maintain continuous situational awareness without emitting active radar signals, reducing the risk of revealing the vehicle’s position to enemy intelligence, electronic warfare units, or anti-radiation weapons.

 

Passive Detection and Surveillance

At the core of Land OmniGuard’s detection capability is the VAMPIR NG infrared search-and-track sensor. Originally developed for long-range naval surveillance and later enhanced with artificial intelligence, the sensor continuously scans surrounding airspace using thermal signatures rather than active transmissions.

This passive approach enables discreet detection of aerial threats while maintaining operational security in contested environments. By relying on infrared tracking instead of radar emissions, the system remains effective even in areas affected by localized electronic warfare and anti-radiation loitering munitions.

The stabilized long-range sensor maintains image quality during vehicle movement, allowing operators to monitor potential threats without interrupting mobility.

 

AI-Powered Identification and Tracking

Once a potential target is detected by VAMPIR NG, tracking information is automatically transferred to Safran’s PASEO optronic system.

PASEO uses high-definition stabilized sensors and embedded machine-learning algorithms to identify, classify, and track aerial objects. The system analyzes target characteristics such as geometry, aspect ratio, movement patterns, and velocity to determine the nature of the detected object.

According to Safran, this capability enables the system to distinguish between recreational quadcopters, military fixed-wing drones, and non-threatening objects such as birds. After classification, the software calculates threat vectors in real time and selects the most appropriate response.

Land OmniGuard can then provide targeting data directly to electronic or kinetic effectors, including directional radio-frequency jammers and remotely operated weapon stations. By automating much of the detection-to-engagement process, the system reduces operator workload and accelerates decision-making during high-density drone attacks.

 

Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments

To maintain accurate tracking and synchronization between the vehicle, sensors, and target, Land OmniGuard incorporates the GEONYX inertial navigation system.

The navigation solution is designed for environments where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including GPS, may be degraded, spoofed, or jammed. Using a hemispherical resonator gyro, GEONYX provides precise real-time positioning without relying on external radio signals.

Safran reported that production of the GEONYX navigation system has increased sevenfold between 2022 and 2026, reflecting growing military demand for resilient navigation technologies capable of operating in signal-denied environments.

 

Integrated Counter-Drone Protection

Mounted on tactical land vehicles, Land OmniGuard supports the complete counter-drone operational chain, including threat detection, identification, classification, tracking, target designation, and guidance for neutralization measures.

The integration of VAMPIR NG, PASEO, GEONYX, and embedded artificial intelligence creates a unified system capable of protecting deployed forces and mobile units against a wide range of unmanned aerial threats. The passive architecture also helps maintain operational security while conducting surveillance and engagement missions.

 

First Contract Secured

Safran confirmed that Land OmniGuard has already secured its first contract from a leading European air defense company. While the customer was not identified, the contract marks the first commercial adoption of the new counter-drone solution.

The company said the system was developed in response to the growing diversity, frequency, and unpredictability of drone threats encountered by military forces in modern operational theaters.

Land OmniGuard expands Safran’s counter-drone portfolio, which also includes electronic warfare solutions such as Skyjacker. The system reflects the growing emphasis on mobile, resilient air defense capabilities as armed forces seek effective protection against rapidly evolving unmanned aerial threats.

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About the Author

Aditya Kumar is a Defense & Geopolitics Analyst covering military developments, missile systems, naval strategy, and global defense affairs.