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
-
![Elbit Systems to supply USMC with NVGs under $500 million deal]()
Elbit Systems to supply USMC with NVGs under $500 million deal
Elbit Systems of America has secured a second five-year contract to supply Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggles (SBNVG) to the US Marine Corps.
-
![Texelis goes alone as it unveils Celeris]()
Texelis goes alone as it unveils Celeris
Texelis and Nexter, a KNDS company, manufacture the Serval 4x4 lightweight multi-role armoured vehicle together but Texelis has started selling the rolling chassis of the vehicle as a separate system.
-
![Babcock looks to expand the profile for its General Logistics Vehicle]()
Babcock looks to expand the profile for its General Logistics Vehicle
Babcock has developed a militarised version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 which retains the chassis, drive train, engine and other systems, but features a modified body and has expanded the effort to include a flat-tray variant.
-
![Next set of orders due for French Army's Serval patrol vehicle]()
Next set of orders due for French Army's Serval patrol vehicle
The Serval 4x4 lightweight multi-role armoured vehicle has two prime contractors – Texelis which has been contracted by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to build and supply the rolling chassis and Nexter Systems which provides the body.
-
![Rheinmetall to provide rear-facing camera for Warrior IFVs]()
Rheinmetall to provide rear-facing camera for Warrior IFVs
Rheinmetall Electronics’ Trailblazer camera has been in service on the UK’s Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIVs) and has been been planned for the Challenger 3 MBT programme.
-
Detroit Arsenal delivers bumper month for Oshkosh Defense
Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, has selected Oshkosh Defense for multiple deals in November including contracts for medium equipment trailers and JLTVs for domestic forces and international allies.
