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SAFRAN and THEON partner to fast-track fielding of electro-optical solutions for drones
SAFRAN and THEON partner to fast-track fielding of electro-optical solutions for
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PRESS RELEASEBloomberg (THEON:NA) / Reuters (THEON.AS) 15 June 2026, EUROSATORY (Paris) – Theon International Plc (THEON) is pleased to announce that Safran Electronics & Defense (SAFRAN) and THEON have signed of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture dedicated to the design, development and commercialization of airborne electro-optical and infrared systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. The joint venture will combine the complementary strengths of both companies to develop next generation optronic solutions, covering small gimbals weighing less than 8 kilograms, to address the growing demand for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and targeting capabilities in defense and security markets. Safran Electronics & Defense brings its leadership in ISR and electro-optical systems, including expertise in stabilized gimbals, while THEON contributes its know-how in advanced sensors and electro-optical technologies. Together, the partners aim to deliver platform-agnostic solutions spanning the full spectrum of operational needs for affordable mass deployment systems. “Through this partnership with THEON, we are reinforcing Safran Electronics & Defense’s leadership in electro-optical systems, accelerating the development of next-generation, platform-agnostic solutions, and enabling us to deliver ISR capabilities across the full spectrum of missions and operational needs. It marks a concrete step in strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty in a critical defense domain.” said Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defense Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. Christian Hadjiminas, Founder and CEO of THEON, commented: “We appreciate SAFRAN’s choosing to partner with Theon in one of the fastest-growing segments of the defense market. This is a milestone move for THEON, bringing together our strengths with those of a global leader.”Christian Hadjiminas, Founder and CEO of THEON, Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President, Head of Defense Division of Safran at the signing of the agreement in EUROSATORY in ParisFrom left to right: Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, Christian Hadjiminas, Founder and CEO of THEON, Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive Officer of Safran and board member, Alexandre Ziegler, Director of Defense of Safran Electronics & Defence, Philippe Mennicken, Deputy CEO...