IREPA LASER joins GICAT: a new strategic step for laser innovation in defence and security

IREPA LASER has joined GICAT (the French land and air-land defence and security industry association), marking a strategic step forward in its commitment to laser innovation applied to the sensitive defence and security sectors.

To better understand what this membership involves, we spoke to Frédérique Machi, metal laser welding expert at IREPA LASER.

Interview with Frédérique Machi on laser innovation for defence

What is GICAT and what role does it play in the defence ecosystem?

“GICAT is a professional association founded in 1978. It brings together French manufacturers specialising in land and air-land defence and security. GICAT covers a wide range of activities, from research to services, including strategic consulting. It plays an essential role in developing and coordinating technological laser innovations for the armed forces and security services, both in France and internationally.”

What tangible benefits does GICAT membership bring to IREPA LASER’s laser innovation?

“In the current geopolitical context, the need for robust, secure and sovereign laser innovation solutions is becoming increasingly pressing. Joining GICAT enables us to:

• Strengthen our relationships with key players in the defence and security ecosystem
• Promote our laser innovation expertise (welding, additive manufacturing, ablation, safety)
• Explore new R&D and industrial synergies
• Access new markets linked to the specific needs of the sector

It is also a way of positioning laser innovation as a technological lever for the security of infrastructure and land mobility systems, as well as for the advanced manufacturing of military equipment.”

What prompted GICAT to bring this laser innovation expertise into its network?

“IREPA LASER has unique know-how in innovative laser processes, particularly for highly technical challenges such as precision welding, additive manufacturing of critical parts, laser ablation machining and securing laser processes. Our ability to offer frugal, robust laser innovation solutions suited to extreme environments is a real added value.

Furthermore, our model as a Société Coopérative d’Intérêt Collectif (SCIC) illustrates our commitment to responsible, sustainable laser innovation that is open to the public interest, values shared by GICAT.”

Laser innovation momentum focused on strategic innovation

IREPA LASER’s membership of GICAT is part of a long-term approach aimed at actively contributing to the technological strengthening of the defence and security sector through laser innovation. Through its involvement in collaborative projects, standardisation work and professional training, IREPA LASER aims to make laser innovations a cornerstone of tomorrow’s systems.

Are you a manufacturer in the defence or security sector?

Our teams can support you in developing tailor-made innovative laser processes, adapted to the operational and regulatory constraints of the sector.

Contact us to start a strategic collaboration