DGA Supports KNDS’ Development of KATANA® 155mm High Precision Ammunition

The French procurement agency (DGA) has notified a contract to KNDS France to support the development of the KATANA® high-precision guided ammunition. This 155mm ammunition, which uses the latest guidance technology to ensure accuracy within a few meters, will be available for sale within two years. The French Land Armament Association (AAT) has awarded the KATANA® team from KNDS France the Chanson prize, recognising significant progress in the field of land armament.

The DGA has awarded a contract to support the development of the KATANA® guided ammunition, initiated by KNDS France. KATANA® addresses the pressing need for high-precision artillery ammunition in both low and high-intensity warfare, minimising collateral damage in urban areas and effectively targeting high-value assets such as artillery systems, radars, and command posts. The KATANA® guided ammunition offers unparalleled accuracy and target neutralisation capabilities in Europe. KNDS France is expanding its product range, becoming one of the few manufacturers to master all existing types of artillery ammunition.

The modular design of KATANA® allows it to evolve and integrate new technologies as they become available, particularly for use in GNSS-denied environments. Its modularity also enables the integration of local components as part of a production transfer, facilitating export opportunities.

During recent firing campaigns, KATANA® demonstrated accuracy within a few meters, thanks to a global navigation satellite system coupled with an inertial unit. With the support of the DGA, evaluation of the ammunition's resistance to various forms of jamming began in 2024. The ammunition is armed with a multi-mode fuse that modulates terminal effects based on the target and its level of protection. These capabilities require high-performance electronics designed to withstand extreme acceleration and shock.

KATANA® can be fired at full charge, achieving the maximum range of a 155mm 52-calibre gun like the CAESAR. Additionally, KATANA® is not a sub-calibre ammunition, ensuring significant terminal effects due to its powerful warhead. Currently, at the demonstrator level (TRL6), KATANA® will be available for sale within the next two years.

Safran Develops New Solution For Laser Optical Communications

Safran Electronics & Defence is pioneering a new solution for transmitting and receiving optical communications via laser, enabling armed forces to share information at exceptionally high speeds without the risk of jamming or interception. This innovation leverages the company’s extensive expertise in inertial navigation, optronics, and communications.

Safran’s laser optical communication technology is based on sophisticated terminals capable of both transmitting and receiving data encoded in laser beams. One terminal sends the data, while another receives it and converts it into digital information. This system allows users to share messages, images, and videos over distances of tens of kilometres, with the potential for even greater ranges when relay satellites are used.

Laser optical links provide enhanced discretion and are resistant to interference, offering a secure communication channel free from jamming or interception risks. The technology supports data transmission speeds ranging from 5 Gb/s to 50 Gb/s, accommodating the increasing data volumes and demands of data-intensive AI applications.

One of the main challenges is maintaining a stable direct line of sight between terminals during data transfer, even in challenging conditions such as heavy swell at sea. Safran addresses this by leveraging its technological expertise in mobile platform-mounted optronic sights and satellite communication solutions.

“We’re one of the only companies in the world today capable of developing this technology at scale for use by the armed forces,” said executive vice president of the Defence Global Business Unit of Safran Electronics & Defense, Alexandre Ziegler. “We already have sovereign contr