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FN P90

The FN P90 is a compact, lightweight personal defense weapon (PDW) developed by the Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal, featuring a bullpup configuration, selective fire capability, and a distinctive top-mounted 50-round translucent magazine chambered for the 5.7×28mm NATO cartridge.^[1]^[2]^[3] Initiated in the mid-1980s in response to NATO's solicitation for a replacement to the 9×19mm Parabellum for support personnel such as vehicle crews and rear-echelon troops, the P90 project began formal development around 1986 under designer Stéphane Ferrard, with production commencing in 1990.^[3]^[2] The weapon was conceived as part of an integrated 5.7×28mm system to provide enhanced penetration against body armor while maintaining controllability in close-quarters scenarios, addressing anticipated threats from Soviet-era paratroopers equipped with light armor.^[2]^[3] Key design innovations include its closed-bolt blowback operation for improved accuracy and safety, a short overall length of 500 mm (19.7 inches) despite a 264 mm (10.4-inch) barrel, and an unloaded weight of approximately 2.54–2.8 kg (5.6–6.2 lb), making it highly maneuverable for vehicle-borne or urban operations.^[1]^[2]^[3] The horizontal magazine orientation feeds cartridges directly into the chamber via a rotating bolt, minimizing jams, while fully ambidextrous controls and optional Picatinny rails support optics, lasers, and suppressors; it achieves a cyclic rate of 900 rounds per minute with an effective range of up to 200 meters.^[1]^[3] Adopted by over 40 nations for military, law enforcement, and special forces use—including Belgium, the United States Secret Service, and French GIGN—the P90 has seen service in diverse environments from counter-terrorism raids to vehicle-mounted defense, with variants like the P90 Tactical (rail-equipped) and civilian PS90 (semi-automatic) expanding its applications.^[2]^[1]^[3] Its 5.7×28mm ammunition, offering flat trajectory and armor-piercing potential with SS190 rounds, remains a hallmark, though civilian versions use restricted variants for compliance.^[2]^[3]

History and Development

Origins

In 1986, FN Herstal initiated Project 90 to develop a compact personal defense weapon tailored for vehicle crews and support personnel who required a lightweight, easily maneuverable firearm without compromising on firepower or magazine capacity.^[2]^[4] The project was led by designers including René Predazzer and Stéphane Ferrard, who adopted a bullpup configuration to minimize the weapon's overall length while accommodating a high-capacity magazine, addressing the need for a low-profile design suitable for confined spaces like vehicle interiors.^[5]^[6] Early prototypes emerged between 1987 and 1989, emphasizing seamless integration with the newly developed 5.7x28mm cartridge to achieve enhanced penetration and reduced weight compared to traditional pistol rounds.^[5] Initial testing of these prototypes revealed challenges with recoil management and controllability during full-automatic fire, which were mitigated through the innovative top-mounted magazine design patented by Predazzer in 1989; this horizontal feed system rotated cartridges 90 degrees via a skew mechanism, improving balance and reducing muzzle rise for better handling.^[7]^[5]

Cartridge Standardization

In the late 1980s, FN Herstal proposed the 5.7x28mm cartridge as an alternative to the 9x19mm Parabellum for personal defense weapons (PDWs), specifically designed to enhance penetration against body armor worn by military and police forces, which had rendered the 9mm inadequate at ranges beyond close quarters.^[8]^[9] This development was a direct response to NATO's 1989 request for a new small-caliber, high-velocity round capable of defeating soft body armor like the CRISAT target (1.6mm titanium plus 20 layers of Kevlar) at up to 200 meters, while maintaining controllability in compact firearms for support personnel.^[10]^[11] NATO conducted trials in 2002 and 2003, evaluating FN's 5.7x28mm against Heckler & Koch's competing 4.6x30mm cartridge, with tests focusing on armor penetration, terminal ballistics, and weapon ergonomics.^[12]^[13] Although neither achieved formal NATO standardization at the time due to political and technical debates, both were deemed viable, leading to individual adoptions by member nations such as Belgium for the 5.7x28mm in its FN P90 PDW. The 5.7x28mm cartridge was later formally standardized by NATO under STANAG 4509 in February 2021.^[14]^[11]^[15] The initial SS90 prototype cartridge featured a 23-grain (1.5 g) full metal jacket bullet with a polymer core and steel penetrator, achieving a muzzle velocity of approximately 850 m/s (2,800 ft/s) and muzzle energy of 541 J from the P90's barrel, enabling penetration of Level IIIA soft body armor at close to medium ranges.^[9]^[16] This design prioritized yawing and fragmentation post-penetration for enhanced terminal effects while minimizing overpenetration risks.^[11] The cartridge evolved into the SS190 variant by 1993, which refined the projectile to a slightly heavier 31-grain (2 g) aluminum-core design with improved steel penetrator for consistent armor defeat up to Level IIIA at 200 meters, while retaining similar ballistics.^[17] For civilian markets, the SS197SR was introduced as a non-armor-piercing lead-core round with a 40-grain V-MAX bullet, offering reduced penetration to comply with legal restrictions on AP handgun ammunition in jurisdictions like the United States, where SS190 sales are limited to military and law enforcement under federal regulations prohibiting civilian possession of armor-piercing handgun rounds.^[18]^[11] The P90's bullpup layout and top-mounted magazine were optimized around these cartridge dimensions for reliable feeding and balance.^[8]

Production and Adoption

The FN P90 entered full-scale production in 1990 at FN Herstal's primary manufacturing facility in Herstal, Belgium, following its development as a compact personal defense weapon.^[19] This marked the beginning of ongoing manufacturing, with the design's innovative features enabling efficient polymer construction and high-volume output at the Belgian plant.^[20] By the early 2000s, over 20,000 units had been produced and distributed to military and law enforcement users worldwide, reflecting steady demand and export success.^[20] Production has continued without interruption into 2025, primarily at the Herstal facility, though civilian variants like the PS90 are assembled at FN America's operations in South Carolina, United States, to meet domestic market needs.^[21] The weapon's first major adoption came in the 1990s with the United States Secret Service, which selected the P90 for protective details due to its lightweight build, rapid fire capability, and ability to penetrate soft body armor at close range.^[22] This high-profile endorsement paved the way for broader acceptance among elite security units. In 1995, the Belgian Armed Forces signed a significant contract for the P90, integrating it into service for vehicle crews and support personnel, thereby affirming its role within the designer's home military.^[20] During the 2000s, the French GIGN, the elite counter-terrorism unit of the National Gendarmerie, adopted the P90 for hostage rescue and close-quarters operations, valuing its ambidextrous handling and 50-round magazine capacity.^[22] These key contracts facilitated exports to more than 40 countries, including special forces in Austria, Canada, Greece, and Malaysia, establishing the P90 as a staple in defensive and special operations roles globally.^[20] As of 2025, production estimates exceed 50,000 units cumulatively, with no major redesigns to the original platform, emphasizing its proven reliability in contemporary conflicts such as urban counter-insurgency and VIP protection.^[22] Recent accessory developments, including the Strike Industries drop-in chassis system unveiled at SHOT Show 2025, offer improved ergonomics and modularity—such as enhanced cheek weld and Picatinny rail compatibility—while preserving the P90's core ballistic performance and compactness.^[23] This focus on aftermarket integrations underscores the weapon's adaptability without altering its foundational engineering.

Design Features

Ammunition and Ballistics

The 5.7×28mm cartridge, developed specifically for the FN P90 personal defense weapon, features a bullet diameter of 5.7 mm and a case length of 28 mm, with a rimless, bottlenecked design that ensures reliable feeding in high-capacity magazines.^[24] This compact configuration allows for a high magazine capacity while maintaining the cartridge's high-velocity performance tailored to the P90's bullpup layout. In terms of ballistic performance, the SS190 variant achieves a muzzle velocity of approximately 715 m/s when fired from the P90's 264 mm barrel, enabling an effective range of 200 m for point targets.^[16] The cartridge's flat trajectory can be approximated using the basic projectile drop equation under gravity, where the vertical drop d is given by

d = \frac{1}{2} g t^2

with g as the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²) and t as the time of flight, calculated as t = \frac{r}{v} (where r is range and v is muzzle velocity). This results in minimal bullet drop over typical engagement distances, enhancing accuracy for personal defense roles.^[16] The SS190 round demonstrates superior penetration, capable of defeating a NATO CRISAT vest (consisting of 1.6 mm titanium and 20 layers of Kevlar) at 200 m, due to its steel penetrator core combined with an aluminum and copper jacket.^[16] In terminal ballistics, the projectile exhibits yawing and fragmentation upon impact with soft tissue, typically beginning to tumble at approximately 2 inches of penetration depth, with total penetration of about 10 inches (25 cm) in ballistic gelatin. This behavior enhances stopping power without excessive tissue destruction, aligning with the cartridge's design for controlled energy transfer.^[25] Key ammunition types include the military SS190 armor-piercing round with a 31-grain dual-core projectile for penetration-focused applications; the civilian SS197SR, a lead-free 40-grain V-MAX variant optimized for sporting and self-defense use; and the L191 tracer, which mirrors the SS190's ballistics with a visible red trace for aimed fire.^[26] These rounds are widely available through authorized dealers, with civilian options like the SS197SR costing approximately $0.78 per round as of early 2025.^[27]

Mechanism and Feeding System

The FN P90 employs a straight blowback operating system that fires from a closed bolt position, enhancing accuracy and safety by ensuring the round is fully chambered before ignition.^[2] In this mechanism, the bolt remains locked forward until the trigger is pulled, at which point an internal hammer strikes the firing pin to detonate the primer of the 5.7×28mm cartridge.^[28] The resulting gas pressure propels the projectile down the barrel while simultaneously driving the bolt rearward against the recoil spring, without any mechanical delay or locking lugs.^[29] The feeding system centers on a distinctive 50-round translucent polymer box magazine, constructed from impact-resistant material to allow visual confirmation of remaining ammunition.^[30] Mounted horizontally atop the receiver in a bullpup configuration, the magazine holds two staggered rows of cartridges oriented perpendicular to the bore axis. As the follower advances, rounds are redirected downward into the chamber via an integrated spiral ramp at the rear of the magazine well, rotating each cartridge 90 degrees without additional moving parts.^[4] This design minimizes the weapon's profile while providing high capacity in a compact form. During the cycle of operation, after firing, the bolt carrier group travels rearward, extracting the spent casing via a fixed extractor on the bolt face. The empty case is then ejected downward through a dedicated port located immediately behind the pistol grip and trigger guard, directing brass away from the shooter for improved usability in confined spaces.^[29] The recoil spring, housed within the bolt carrier group, compresses during this rearward travel and subsequently propels the assembly forward, stripping a fresh round from the magazine and chambering it to reset the action.^[28] The P90 achieves a cyclic rate of fire between 850 and 1,100 rounds per minute, typically averaging 900 rounds per minute in full-automatic mode.^[30] Recoil is effectively mitigated by the bullpup layout, which positions the action and magazine rearward to balance mass distribution close to the shooter's body, reducing muzzle rise and perceived impulse during sustained fire.^[1]

Layout and Ergonomics

The FN P90 employs a bullpup configuration, positioning the action behind the trigger group to achieve an overall length of 505 mm while maintaining a 264 mm barrel, resulting in a highly compact personal defense weapon ideal for confined spaces such as vehicles and urban environments.^[30] This layout contributes to its unloaded weight of approximately 2.8 kg, facilitating maneuverability during close-quarters operations without sacrificing stability.^[30] The polymer construction further enhances its lightweight profile, allowing users to transition quickly between positions or entry points in tactical scenarios.^[2] The P90 incorporates fully ambidextrous controls to support operation by both right- and left-handed shooters, including a central safety/selector switch located inside the enlarged trigger guard for intuitive access.^[31] The firing mechanism features a sliding trigger that enables semi-automatic or selective full-automatic fire, with dual non-reciprocating charging handles on both sides of the receiver to prevent interference during handling.^[31] An integrated thumbhole stock provides a secure, ergonomic grip without the need for a traditional pistol grip, promoting consistent control in dynamic situations.^[2] Key ergonomic elements include a downward-facing ejection port positioned behind the pistol grip, which expels spent casings directly to the ground and eliminates the need for reconfiguration between handedness, ensuring unobstructed operation for all users.^[32] The weapon's integrated barrel shroud functions as a handguard, offering protection from heat while maintaining a streamlined profile for one-handed manipulations.^[4] Although the bore axis is elevated due to the top-mounted 50-round magazine, the overall design minimizes muzzle rise through the low-recoiling 5.7x28mm cartridge and balanced weight distribution, supporting rapid follow-up shots in close-range engagements.^[28] The bullpup layout centers the weapon's gravity near the shooter's support hand, improving pointability and reducing fatigue during extended handling, which is particularly advantageous for suppressed configurations where added forward weight could otherwise shift balance.^[28] This equilibrium enhances controllability in full-automatic mode, allowing sustained fire with minimal disruption to the sight picture, as evidenced by its adoption for personal defense roles requiring precision in high-stress environments.^[4]

Sights and Accessories

The FN P90 is equipped with a standard integrated reflector sight with a ring-shaped reticle illuminated by tritium, designed for rapid target acquisition in close-quarters scenarios. This tritium-illuminated optic provides visibility in low-light conditions without batteries, enhancing usability for personal defense roles.^[1] The bullpup layout of the P90 facilitates the placement of Picatinny rails in key positions, allowing for versatile accessory mounting without compromising the weapon's compact profile. The top rail on Tactical variants supports a range of optics, while side and underbarrel rails accommodate aiming lasers and illumination devices, such as the AN/PEQ-2 infrared pointer/illuminator. Additionally, integrated options include visible (LV) or infrared (LIR) lasers for low-light targeting.^[1]^[33]^[34] Suppressor compatibility is achieved through threaded barrel variants, enabling attachment of dedicated sound suppressors like the B&T quick-detach model, which significantly reduces muzzle report while maintaining full-auto functionality. This feature supports stealth operations by minimizing audible signature without significant backpressure issues.^[35]^[36] In 2025, the P90 gained enhanced modularity through compatibility with aftermarket chassis systems, such as the Strike Industries drop-in replacement, which improves grip ergonomics and allows additional accessory integration for customized configurations.^[37]

Variants

Standard P90 Models

The FN P90 is a select-fire personal defense weapon chambered in 5.7×28mm NATO, featuring a closed-bolt blowback operation and a 50-round translucent polymer magazine mounted horizontally above the barrel.^[30] The base model, introduced in 1990, includes an integrated non-magnifying optical sight with a tritium-illuminated reticle for low-light conditions and a fixed flash hider on its 10.4-inch cold hammer-forged barrel.^[1] It supports full-automatic fire at a cyclic rate of 850–1,100 rounds per minute and has a maximum effective range of 200 meters.^[30] In 1999, FN Herstal introduced the P90 TR (Tactical Rail) variant to enhance modularity for military and law enforcement users, replacing the integrated sight with a receiver-mounted triple MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail system that allows attachment of various optics, lasers, and lights.^[1] The P90 TR retains the base model's core specifications, including the 5.7×28mm caliber and 50-round capacity, but features a threaded muzzle on its barrel to accommodate suppressors, improving stealth in close-quarters operations.^[30] This design prioritizes adaptability without altering the weapon's compact bullpup layout or ambidextrous controls. The P90 USG (United States Government) model, developed specifically for U.S. law enforcement agencies, shares the select-fire mechanism and ballistics of the standard P90 but incorporates an aluminum housing for the reflex sight with a revised reticle optimized for faster target acquisition in dynamic environments.^[2] It also includes provisions for an integrated infrared laser aiming module, maintaining compatibility with 5.7×28mm ammunition and the 200-meter effective range.^[2] Early production variants from the early 1990s, such as the P90 LV (visible laser) and P90 LIR (infrared laser), featured factory-mounted Laserex aiming modules integrated below the barrel for improved aiming in varied lighting conditions, predating the modular rails of later models.^[1] These laser-equipped versions operated on the same 850–1,100 rpm rate of fire and shared the base P90's threaded barrel option for suppressors in select configurations.^[30] Across all standard P90 models, no significant mechanical redesigns have occurred since 2010, with updates limited to enhanced accessory compatibility via rails and improved laser durability for sustained field use.^[1]

PS90 Civilian Models

The PS90 series represents the semi-automatic civilian adaptation of the P90 personal defense weapon, modified to comply with U.S. federal firearms regulations by incorporating a longer barrel and restricting operation to semi-automatic fire only. Derived from the compact bullpup design of the original P90, the PS90 prioritizes personal protection, sporting, and home defense applications for non-military users. Chambered exclusively in the 5.7x28mm cartridge, it utilizes blowback operation from a closed bolt for enhanced accuracy and reliability, with ambidextrous controls and a top-mounted translucent magazine for quick capacity checks.^[31] Introduced in 2005 specifically for the U.S. civilian market, the PS90 Standard model features a 16.04-inch cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel equipped with an integrated muzzle brake to mitigate recoil, resulting in an overall length of 26.23 inches and a weight of 6.28 pounds empty. It accepts 10- or 30-round magazines (with 50-round options in certain configurations) and includes a MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail for optics or lights, along with backup iron sights. The synthetic thumbhole stock is available in matte black or flat dark earth finishes, emphasizing ergonomics for right- and left-handed shooters. This configuration ensures compliance with the National Firearms Act's minimum barrel length for non-NFA rifles, making it readily available through licensed dealers without additional registration.^[38]^[31]^[28] Earlier variants, such as the PS90 TR (Triple Rail) introduced in the mid-2000s, incorporated a threaded 16-inch barrel and an expanded Picatinny rail system along the top, sides, and potentially underside for mounting accessories such as optics, lasers, or foregrips. Developed to address early 1990s import point system restrictions under U.S. law—by shifting weight and functionality to add-on components rather than integrated features—this model enhanced modularity while retaining the Standard's semi-automatic operation and 6.28-pound weight.^[28]^[39] It remains compatible with civilian-legal accessories and is valued for competitive shooting or tactical training, though current production focuses on the standard model. The PS90 USG model, an earlier adaptation to meet U.S. government procurement standards, featured a 16-inch barrel and ambidextrous features similar to the standard, with updates to sighting systems. Though originally oriented toward institutional buyers, it was available on the civilian market with 10- or 30-round magazines. This variant underscored FN's focus on adaptability for export and domestic non-military sales, but has been superseded by the current standard configuration.^[2] For users seeking a more compact profile, a popular aftermarket modification converts the PS90 to a short-barreled rifle (SBR) configuration by replacing the standard barrel with a 10.4-inch version, reducing overall length to approximately 20 inches while maintaining the semi-automatic mechanism. This modification classifies the firearm as a short-barreled rifle under the National Firearms Act, necessitating ATF approval via Form 1 or 4, engraving of the owner's information, and payment of a $200 transfer tax. Aftermarket barrels from manufacturers like CMMG, made from 4140 chrome-moly steel with a 1:9-inch twist rate, are commonly used for these conversions, preserving the PS90's balance and handling in a package suitable for close-quarters defense.^[40]^[41] Legal adaptations for civilian and export markets center on the use of SS197SR 5.7x28mm ammunition, a 40-grain polymer-tipped round designed for target shooting, hunting small game, and training, which lacks the armor-piercing core of restricted military loads to comply with federal prohibitions on such projectiles. Production of the PS90 series continues at FN America's facility in Columbia, South Carolina, as of 2025, supporting ongoing availability for qualified purchasers.^[42]^[21]

Users and Deployment

Military Operators

The FN P90 has been adopted by military forces in numerous countries worldwide, primarily serving as a personal defense weapon (PDW) for non-infantry personnel such as vehicle crews, support troops, and special operations units.^[43] Its compact design and high-capacity magazine make it suitable for close-quarters battle (CQB) and protective roles where maneuverability is essential.^[4] Belgium, as the weapon's developer nation, adopted the P90 in the early 1990s for its armed forces, particularly assigning it to special forces and paratrooper units in its intended role as a PDW for rear-echelon troops.^[19] In France, the P90 was integrated into the GIGN counter-terrorism unit during the 2000s, where it is valued for CQB operations alongside other submachine guns.^[44] Saudi Arabia received the first international sales of the P90 in the early 1990s and continues to employ it in its military inventory for specialized roles.^[20] Other notable military users include the Canadian Armed Forces and the Netherlands' Korps Commandotroepen.^[3] The P90 has seen operational deployment in conflicts including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where it provided defensive firepower for crews and support elements in dynamic environments.^[45]

Law Enforcement and Security Users

The FN P90 has been adopted by various law enforcement agencies worldwide for its compact design and ability to penetrate soft body armor, making it suitable for close-quarters operations and personal defense roles. In the United States, the United States Secret Service has been a major user since the 1990s, employing the P90 TR variant as a standard shoulder weapon for agents, particularly in protective details where its high-capacity magazine, low recoil, and armor-piercing 5.7×28mm cartridge provide advantages in dynamic environments.^[28]^[46] Domestically, the Houston Police Department SWAT team became the first U.S. local law enforcement agency to deploy the P90 operationally, using it in a 2003 shootout where its performance in urban engagements was noted for accuracy and controllability.^[47] This adoption highlighted the P90's role in tactical teams facing high-threat situations, such as barricaded suspects or hostage rescues, due to its bullpup configuration allowing maneuverability in confined spaces.^[29] Internationally, elite units have integrated the P90 for counter-terrorism and special operations. Greece's EKAM counter-terrorist unit utilizes the P90 as part of its equipment.^[48] Similarly, Belgium's Federal Police Special Units, including the Directie Speciale Eenheden (DSU), have incorporated the P90 into their arsenal for high-risk interventions, as evidenced by its mention in operational contexts involving armed threats.^[49] These adoptions underscore the P90's appeal to specialized law enforcement for missions requiring discretion and firepower without the bulk of traditional rifles.

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Gun Review: FNH PS90 | Calibers USA - WordPress.com
Dec 15, 2016 · FNH PS90 TR Specifications. Caliber: 5.7x28mm. Barrel: 16″ long / 1 in 9″ rifling. Crome-linded. Size: 26.23″ overall length x 6.9″ height ...
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FN SS197SR 5.7X28MM | FN® Firearms - FN America
The FN SS197SR is a 5.7x28mm cartridge with a 40-grain Hornady V-Max bullet, designed for target shooting, competition, or hunting. It is available for ...Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
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[PDF] Saudi Arabia - SALW Guide
By 2006, FN's. 5.7×28mm firearms—the P90 personal defense weapon and Five-seven pistol—were in service with military and police forces in over 40 nations ...
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The French GIGN – Counterterrorism Unit - FrenchCrazy
For close-quarters engagements, the GIGN wield riot shields and submachine guns such as the HK MP5, HK UMP, or FN P90. They also use a variety of shotguns, ...
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EKAM Special Forces Weapons (Greece) - Military Factory
Picture of the Fabrique Nationale FN P90. National Flag Graphic 1990. Fabrique Nationale FN P90. Submachine Gun (SMG) / Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) · 15.
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FN PS90 5.7x28mm Bullpup - 10 Round - 16.04" - Primary Arms
The FN Herstal P90 has seen combat use since the 1990s, in the Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War and FN's offering of the PS90 bullpup rifle allows ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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The 22 Guns Used By US Federal Agents - 24/7 Wall St.
May 23, 2023 · ... United States Secret Service (CC BY 2.0) by Anthony Quintano from ... FN P90 > Firearm type(s): Submachine gun > Chambered in: 5.7Ã ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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FN P90 Submachine Gun: The Ultimate Refinement in SMG ...
Oct 5, 2023 · Stateside, the first domestic law enforcement agency to use the P90 in a shootout was the Houston Police Department, doing so in 2003. As ...
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The GIGN of French Gendarmerie is considered as the World's best ...
Jun 8, 2023 · As France's premier law enforcement and special operations unit, GIGN's roles encompass counter-terrorism, hostage rescue ... FN P90 submachine ...
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Why the Manhunt for a Rogue Soldier in Belgium Is a Nightmare for ...
May 20, 2021 · ... Belgian federal police. Highlighting the seriousness of the ... “The FN P90 is a huge problem and an excellent choice, it's 5.7mm ...