Unveiling new-generation ARGOS-15

HENSOLDT, a global leader in defence and security electronics, proudly announced the launch of its new-generation airborne imaging system, the ARGOS-15, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo 2024. This highly anticipated system represents a significant advancement in multispectral sensor technology and is set to become the go-to solution for modern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The ARGOS-15, a state-of-the-art 15-inch gimbal system, builds on the success of HENSOLDT’s renowned ARGOS family. It offers unparalleled performance for medium-to-high altitude missions on both manned and unmanned airborne platforms. Featuring an advanced, modular design and AI-powered functionalities, this next-generation system is an essential solution for modern defence and security applications.

“HENSOLDT has been at the forefront of airborne imaging technology for over 35 years. With the launch of the ARGOS-15, we are reinforcing our position as a leading provider of airborne imaging technologies. This system’s superior capabilities will ensure that our customers remain at the forefront of modern surveillance and reconnaissance missions,” says Sunette van Rensburg, Head of Sales of HENSOLDT’s Optronics business in South Africa.

Advancing the legacy of ARGOS-II

Building on over three decades of experience in airborne electro-optical systems, the ARGOS-15 follows the widely deployed ARGOS-II, integrated on more than 34 platforms worldwide. It offers the optimal blend of legacy performance and next-generation innovation, bringing together decades of experience with the latest technologies.

Features and Benefits

Equipped with next-generation multispectral sensors, the ARGOS-15 delivers unmatched image quality across diverse lighting conditions. Its image fusion capabilities combine thermal, daylight and SWIR sensors, ensuring optimal visibility in the most challenging environments. The HD images enable detailed aerial video analysis so that infrastructures, troop movements and targets are recognisable, even under detrimental light and weather conditions. With highly accurate boresight alignment and retention under harsh conditions, in-flight bore-sighting becomes unnecessary.

The ARGOS-15 features a 4-axis stabilisation architecture coupled with a high-precision inertial measurement unit (IMU), delivering sub-5 µrad stabilisation for superior image clarity. This class-leading stabilisation ensures reliable performance during long-range surveillance and target acquisition.

Common aperture architecture for lens-size optimisation offers an optimal balance between multi-spectral sensors and internal volume usage. All cameras are designed with optimised detectors and lens-matching for the best performance. Multi-spectral video is simultaneously available, exposing different information from the scene.

At the heart of the ARGOS-15 is an AI-powered object detection, classification and tracking system. Using an integrated GPU, operators can effortlessly detect and track targets with its advanced one-shot object classifier, reducing workload and improving mission efficiency, while real-time processing allows rapid decision-making in dynamic environments.

Equipped with HENSOLDT’s specialised laser sensors, the ARGOS-15 features a comprehensive laser suite featuring a dual-wavelength, high-power laser designator and rangefinder for precise intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.

Target market and applications

The ARGOS-15 ensures operational superiority at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and is designed to support a wide range of platforms, including tactical and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and aerostats. Its modular design allows for easy integration across various applications, including military, paramilitary, law enforcement and search-and-rescue missions.

Ownership benefits

Proudly designed, developed and manufactured in South Africa, the ARGOS-15 is subject to South African export regulations, offering wide exportability and ease of integration. HENSOLDT provides comprehensive in-country support, ensuring customers receive the highest level of operational readiness and service excellence.

With production deliveries beginning in mid-2025, the ARGOS-15 is set to become the global benchmark for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance missions.