Force Protection Receives $158 M for Cougar Upgrades

(April 9, 2009) -- Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) today announced that it has received a modification to contract M67854-07-D-5031 not to exceed $158 million from the United States Marine Corps Systems Command to supply Force Protection Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles with the Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) TAK-4 Independent Suspension Kits. This contract modification is subject to definitization.

Force Protection, Oshkosh and MRAP Joint Program Office engineers collaborated to successfully integrate the TAK-4 independent suspension onto the Force Protection Cougar vehicle. This suspension modification enhances the Cougar's mobility and maneuverability to enable improved performance in the rough terrain of Afghanistan, while continuing to provide MRAP levels of protection. Work is expected to be completed by December 2009.

Michael Moody, Force Protection Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to be able to deliver this meaningful upgrade for our armed forces. With the incorporation of this independent suspension, we will demonstrate the Cougar can meet the operational needs of the war-fighter in Afghanistan, which is home to some of the most challenging terrain anywhere on Earth. This upgrade is an excellent illustration of our strategy to focus on continued research and development, to develop strong industry partnerships, and to continually improve customer satisfaction with our products. This effort, which involved close coordination with Oshkosh and the Joint Program Office demonstrates that we can create urgently needed, cost-effective, mission enabling products and enhancements that extend and amplify the usefulness of the Cougar platform while providing the war fighter with the best possible equipment."

Source : Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT)