Orolia’s VersaSync, a high-performance GPS master clock and network time server, and Safran’s Geonyx, an inertial navigation system. Credit: PRNewsfoto / Orolia.

France-based Safran Electronics & Defense has closed a transaction to acquire positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solution provider Orolia.  

The acquisition follows an exclusive negotiation process that began last December to merge Orolia with Safran’s equipment and defence division.

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Orolia’s resilient PNT solutions make it a desirable addition to Safran Electronics & Defense’s navigation systems.

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), used as reference providers of time and position data, require high-integrity autonomous time or inertial references in order for functioning to be secure.

The latest merger will help Safran Electronics & Defense deliver a complete set of resilient PNT architecture and equipment to aviation, defence, space, transportation and key infrastructure markets.

Orolia’s solutions include atomic clocks, time servers that provide accurate reference time, and simulation and resilience equipment for GNSS signals.

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The company also caters to commercial aviation and military applications with emergency locator beacons.

With as many as 435 people working in Europe and North America, Orolia has revenues of more than €100m.

Orolia CEO Jean-Yves Courtois said: “Orolia could not imagine a better fit than with Safran to secure its growth and leverage its PNT leadership positions.

“Thanks to the addition of best-in-class timing and inertial technologies, premier access to the largest defence and aerospace markets, and a proven track record in government programme capture and execution, Safran and Orolia now have all the cards in hand to establish themselves as the resilient PNT leader.”

Safran has 76,800 employees and recorded sales of €15.3bn in 2021.

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