The Ministry of Defence is to launch a range of 10″ ‘Action Man’ style figures with vehicles and equipment accurately modelled on the armed forces of 2009.
Some of the figures to be produced, as shown below, will include the infantry soldier wearing exact copies of the camouflage clothing, body armour, goggles, radio and SA-80A2 assault rifle as worn by British troops in Afganistan. There is also expected to be a Royal Marine figure and an RAF pilot with oxygen mask and pistol. Some of the vehicles planned to accompany these figures are tanks, RAF Harriers and remote controlled assault hovercraft.
This range of toys with the ‘HM Armed Forces’ logo is scheduled for launch on VE day, 8th May, under licence with the toy firm Character Group that already produces toys like Dr.Who, High School Musical and Scooby Doo. The Action figures are expected to sell for around £15 with some of the other toys costing considerably more.
The MOD say the range of toys are being produced to raise the profile of the armed forces. They will also be getting a share of the profits which will be spent on public relations.
What do you think about the armed services producing toys? Should the profits be spent on equipment for the real soldiers rather than PR?
