British MoD Buying 85 Cougar Vehicles From Force Protection

( LADSON, S.C., August 11, 2006 ) - Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRPT) today announced it has been awarded a contract by the British Ministry of Defense for more than 85 Cougar Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) vehicles. These vehicles will be known as Mastiff Protected Patrol Vehicles (Mastiff PPV). The contract also includes associated spares, technical manuals, and field service support and is worth approximately $63 million.

"The success that U.S. forces have had with our vehicles since 2003 has been noted by government and military leaders around the world," said Vice President for Army Programs Damon Walsh. "We are rapidly expanding into international defense communities based on the results-driven reputation of Cougar's counterblast technology."


Force Protection's Cougar and other mine-protected vehicles have been deployed with combat engineers and EOD teams for more than three years. First deliveries on the new contract will ship from Charleston, SC in November 2006.

"We judge that this vehicle meets our requirement for a well-protected, wheeled patrol vehicle," said British Secretary of State for Defense Des Browne in an address to Parliament in July. "We have received excellent cooperation from the U.S. government, military and industry - an example of the special relationship bringing real benefits for our (British) soldiers on the ground."

After literally thousands of IED and landmine detonations against its vehicles, Force Protection continues to "protect and save lives" around the globe. To date, it has experienced no fatalities in any of its vehicles.

Source : Force Protection