PARIS –The State of Bahia (Brazil) has awarded a major contract to Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group), including the supply of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to ensure the secure delivery of identification cards.

This system will guarantee that each of the 13.1 million inhabitants in Bahia will be issued a single ID card.

When inhabitants request an ID card, digital fingerprints will be taken, in addition to the usual data, using 120 fingerprint acquisition stations at 32 centers across the State of Bahia. In addition, Sagem Défense Sécurité will set up a facility to digitize paper documents.

The system’s capacity will be gradually expanded, with the eventual target of handling 4,000 data acquisition and search operations per day.

This major contract from Bahia underscores Sagem Défense Sécurité’s expertise in biometric systems and its ability to supply personal ID solutions for large populations. Biometric ID systems by Sagem Défense Sécurité are already up and running in 55 countries. The contract consolidates Sagem Défense Sécurité’s position in the region, and bolsters its world leadership in this market.

Sagem Défense Sécurité is a high-technology company in the SAFRAN Group. As a leading European defense and security electronics company in Europe, its business covers three main fields: navigation and aeronautics systems, where it is the world leader in helicopter flight control; optronics and air-land systems, where it is the European leader in surveillance and fire-control optronics; and the field of security, where it is the world leader in fingerprint-based biometrics. Its equipment and integrated systems are used worldwide, helping to ensure air transport safety, secure data transmission, personal security and governmental defense capabilities at the highest level. Through the SAFRAN Group, Sagem Défense Sécurité is present on all continents.

For further information: www.sagem-ds.com.