France orders WASP weapon system
The French defence procurement agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement or DGA) has ordered 100 of Panhard and Sagem’s WASP turrets.
As part of an urgent operational acquisition, the remotely controlled weapon system is being purchased to be used on the French Army’s Petit Véhicule Protégé (small protected vehicle, or PVP) and Vehicle Blinde Leger (light armoured vehicle, or VBL), Panhard said in a statement on 21 February.
The PVP was designed for ‘protected tactical liaison missions’ and the VBL is described by Panhard as the ‘spearhead of the French armour units’.
Operated from inside the vehicle, the ‘light, robust and compact’ WASP (Weapon under Armor for Self-Protection) is fitted with a MAG 58 7.62mm machine gun and, according to the statement, is coupled to a day/infrared sight and observation scope derived from the FELIN soldier modernisation system developed by Sagem.
WASP responds to the requirement in asymmetric theatres for improved protection for soldiers, providing the capability to engage enemies while armoured.
Featuring a small visual signature, the system has an elevation described by Panhard as ‘unlimited’, and is therefore suited to both urban and mountainous terrain.
An additional ‘fusion function’ for daytime and thermal channels provides the daytime ability to ‘see through’ camouflage.
The WASP was developed in 2008, and a naval version, the Sea WASP, developed primarily to protect against the asymmetrical threat of ships docked or operating offshore, was unveiled in October 2010.
By Shephard staff
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Teledyne takes wraps off autonomous launch recovery box for drones]()
DSEI 2025: Teledyne takes wraps off autonomous launch recovery box for drones
Teledyne FLIR Defense revealed the SkyPad fully autonomous quadcopter launch and recovery box at AUSA in Washington DC last year. The SkyCarrier is the production version of the system and is designed for the launch and recovery of the company’s SkyRaider and SkyRanger uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
-
![Inside Pearson Engineering’s £8 million investment in future-ready manufacturing (Studio)]()
Inside Pearson Engineering’s £8 million investment in future-ready manufacturing (Studio)
Pearson Engineering’s home, Armstrong Works, has been an engineering hub for almost 200 years, delivering critical capabilities for the UK Armed Forces and customers around the globe. The company is now investing for the future, to meet customers’ evolving requirements for a battlespace defined by data and autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: Versatile 8×8 vehicles taste success as new versions rolled out]()
DSEI 2025: Versatile 8×8 vehicles taste success as new versions rolled out
From protected mobility, infantry fighting and reconnaissance to armoured personnel carrier, armoured vehicles and amphibious assault, the 8×8 vehicle is a jack-of-all-trades. In theory, it allows a single vehicle type to fulfil varied roles while providing commonality, and the European market and vehicle types are growing rapidly.
-
![Leonardo, ARIS, ST Engineering Team Up to Revolutionise Defence]()
Leonardo, ARIS, ST Engineering Team Up to Revolutionise Defence
Mission ready, unmatched performance and superior flexibility.
-
![New armoured vehicles appear in Vietnam’s 80th anniversary parade]()
New armoured vehicles appear in Vietnam’s 80th anniversary parade
Marking eight decades since Vietnam gained its independence, the Vietnam People’s Army used the procession to showcase two new vehicles.
