“The French defence procurement agency has ordered 100 of Panhard and Sagem’s WASP turrets,” shephard.co.uk reports. “WASP responds to the requirement in asymmetric theatres for improved protection for soldiers, providing the capability to engage enemies while armoured.” In other words, no need to respond to commands to “Please step out of the vehicle.” And such a deal! “Panhard, a French vehicle maker, has offered 600 of the Wasp turrets, which carry a unit price of about 50,000 euros ($61,400),” defensenews.com reported back in June. “That price, which undercuts competitors’ products costing 70,000 euros and more, was made possible by teaming with Sagem, which supplies the optronics used in the turret’s day-and-night thermal camera. Sagem is part of France’s Safran group.” Politics is business by other means, eh?

6 COMMENTS

  1. If you haven’t seen it, rent “Flushed Away.” The heroes are confronted with mercenaries – a band of French (naturally) ninja frogs. Here’s a bit of dialog from their confrontation:

    Le Frog: To action!
    Henchfrogs: We surrender!
    Le Frog: Not that action, you idiots! The kung-fu thing!

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